The Department of Veterans Affairs and the War Department have joined the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, the HHS-backed nationwide health information exchange network, ONC said Nov. 5.
The two departments are the latest federal agencies to join TEFCA since it launched in December 2023. The Indian Health Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Social Security Administration joined earlier.
Nearly 25,000 organizations are now live on TEFCA, representing close to 110,000 unique connections to clinicians, hospitals, clinics, post-acute and long-term care facilities, and public health authorities. More than 2 billion health records have been exchanged through the network since its launch.
National Coordinator for Health IT Thomas Keane, MD, said many veterans and service members receive care in multiple locations, making timely access to their records critical for providers. Dr. Keane said TEFCA will help those providers get current information wherever patients are treated.
Leslie Sofocleous, PhD, director of the Federal Electronic Health Record Modernization office, called the move “a significant step forward” for service members, veterans and their families. Dr. Sofocleous said beneficiaries’ health information will follow them securely whether they seek care at a military treatment facility, a VA medical center or a participating local hospital.
James Perkins, acting portfolio acquisition executive for Medical Digital Solutions, said joining TEFCA supports both care quality for beneficiaries and a medically ready military.
