This generic term has recently appeared as “Clinical Data Set” in some publications, used with a specific definition, as “a vertically integrated array of pertinent clinical data for a patient with a given medical prognosis.” Elaboration of this definition states that the data set must contain, for a given diagnosis, the following elements: nursing diagnosis, related factors, expected outcomes, interventions, and discharge outcomes,” including key elements of an agency’s policies, procedures, and standard protocols.” This giving of a specific meaning to a generic term is likely to lead to a good deal of confusion.