Purpose, Objects and Principles

According to the IHTSDO Articles of Association the Purpose, Objects and Principles of the association are: 

1.1 Purpose

a) acquire, own and administer the rights to SNOMED CT, other health terminologies and/or related standards, and other relevant assets (collectively, the "Terminology Products");
b) develop, maintain, promote and enable the uptake and correct use of its Terminology Products in health systems, services and products around the world; and
c) undertake any or all activities incidental and conducive to achieving the Purpose of the Association
for the benefit of the Members. 

1.1.2 The Association will not: 

a) distribute any of its surpluses or assets to its Members, except in accordance with Schedule 2 of these Articles; or
b) retain accumulated surpluses that, in the view of the Management Board, are not necessary or appropriate for the operation and/or development of the Association and its activities. 

1.1.3 Any excess accumulated surpluses that are not to be retained as contemplated by clause 2.1.2 (b) shall be either

a) applied to the lowering of the Annual Fee, in such a manner as is determined by the General Assembly in its Ordinary Meeting; or
b) if proposed by the Management Board and approved by the General Assembly by a Super Majority, devote or contribute  such surplus, or any portion thereof, to one or more  projects or non-profit organizations pursuing objectives consistent with the Objects of the Association set forth in clauses 2.2.1 (a) - (b). 

1.2 Objects

1.2.1 The Objects of the Association are to:

a) Enhance the health of humankind by facilitating better health information management;
b) Contribute to improved delivery of care by clinical and social care professions;
c) Facilitate the accurate sharing of clinical and related health information, and the semantic interoperability of health records;
d) Encourage global collaboration and cooperation with respect to the ongoing improvement of the Terminology Products; and
e) Provide the foregoing on a globally coordinated basis, thereby enabling the Members and the related organizations within their Territories to pool resources and share benefits relating to the development and maintenance of, and their utilization of and reliance upon, the Terminology Products. 

1.3 Principles

1.3.1 The Association will seek to govern itself and conduct all of its activities in accordance with principles of openness, fairness, transparency and accountability to its Members.

1.3.2 The Association will seek to conduct all of its activities in a prudent, responsible and ethical manner that is conducive to ensuring its long-term viability, the overall value and utility of all of its assets and, in particular, the technical and clinical fitness of the Terminology Products. 

1.3.3 The Association will seek to work with other parties relevant to achieving its Purpose and Objects in a spirit of collaboration and will, as appropriate, seek to facilitate interoperability of its Terminology Products with other relevant standards and products.

1.3.4 The Association will seek to encourage intellectual contributions to the Terminology Products from other entities upon terms that permit such other entities to use and distribute their own work for any purpose that does not conflict with the Association's Purpose and Objects.

1.3.5 The Association will strive to avoid taking any action which is expected to confer upon certain Members or other parties undue advantages over other Members or over the Association, except with respect to the rights, privileges and obligations granted to the Members specified in these Articles.