The TEFCA interoperability framework is set to improve data exchange for enhanced provider access to patient health information.
ONC and The Sequoia Project, Inc., have announced the publication of the Trusted Exchange Framework and the Common Agreement (TEFCA) interoperability framework.
Applications to be Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) will soon begin. These networks will interconnect to exchange health information exchange nationwide.
Patients will also be able to benefit from TEFCA by seeking access to their personal health information through entities that offer individual access services, ONC officials said.
“Medaflex intends to begin its qualification and engagement period later this year, with a debut of its patient centric application, Moozi. Moozi is designed to facilitate patient access by curating a complete medical record for easy presentation to a care provider without the wait for mail, faxes and the other slow and ponderous current methods that cost millions of dollars in duplicate testing,” said Jeffrey Chaskin, CEO of Medaflex. “Medaflex will also assist patients with frequent healthcare provider substitutions, such as Medicaid patients who are often assigned new physicians and suffer from medical records deficit. That promotes a level playing field in the business of medicine, often to the detriment of the patient.”
“The release of TEFCA today marks the beginning of the implementation phase,” said Mariann Yeager, CEO of The Sequoia Project. “This is a very exciting milestone that reflects the thoughtful feedback of public and private stakeholders throughout the process. We look forward to supporting everyone as they review the Common Agreement and identify their role in this new public-private paradigm advancing health information exchange nationwide.” “This is what is called for directly by 21st Century Cures Act.” The Sequoia Project is the Recognized Coordinating Entity, (RCE), for TEFCA.
“We look forward to supporting everyone as they review the Common Agreement and identify their role in this new public-private paradigm advancing health information exchange nationwide,” Yeager continued.
“Operationalizing TEFCA within the Biden Administration’s first year was a top priority for ONC and is critical to realizing the 21st Century Cures Act’s goal of a secure, nationwide health information exchange infrastructure,” remarked Micky Tripathi, the national coordinator for health information technology, in a press release.
“Simplified nationwide connectivity for providers, health plans, individuals, and public health is finally within reach,” said Tripathi. “We are excited to help the industry reap the benefits of TEFCA as soon as they are able.”