More than 1 billion health records have been exchanged through the federal government’s national health information network in less than a year.
The milestone reflects rapid growth of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, known as TEFCA, a nationwide network designed to help patients and healthcare providers securely share electronic health information.
“Americans deserve secure, timely access to their health records,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said in a June 26 news release from HHS. “Access to your own health records is a fundamental right.”
Along with the milestone, ONC, the HHS office that oversees health information technology, announced a new contract to strengthen network oversight and verify that participating organizations follow required policies and procedures.
National Coordinator for Health IT Thomas Keane, MD, said in the news release that the agency will refer any potential legal violations found on the network to other federal offices.
“As ONC identifies any behaviors on the network that are potentially civilly or criminally actionable, including information blocking and fraud, we will refer them to the appropriate Executive Branch agencies for investigation,” Dr. Keane said, citing the HHS Office for Civil Rights, the HHS Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice.
ONC is also conducting additional reviews of Qualified Health Information Networks, or QHINs, to help ensure participating organizations comply with TEFCA’s rules and operating requirements.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
