Stay Connected
Complete the form below and join our mailing list.
The RCE and ONC host public stakeholder sessions for input as the TEFCA is developed and implemented.
Below are future events and links to materials presented at past events.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host a public informational call as an opportunity to share information about the progress to-date. An anticipated agenda will be shared in advance each month.
Registrations for the 2022 series are automatically transferred to the new 2023 series, though the hyperlink to join the call is changed each year. Please check your email for your new login information for 2023.
Anticipated agenda each month:
How will Exchange Work under TEFCA?
What are TEFCA Components?
HHS TEFCA Event 2/13/2023 Debrief
Status Updates
Public Health
Questions & Answers
Onboarding & Designation
TEFCA Facilitated FHIR Implementation Guide Testing
Use Case Updates
Payment & Healthcare Operations
Public Health
Questions & Answers
The HL7 FHIR Connectathon has a dedicated track for TEFCA-Facilitated FHIR Implementation Guide Testing. This will build on the IHE Connectathon from March, and includes defined clinical scenarios. All organizations interested in supporting the implementation of FHIR utilizing UDAP for Dynamic Registration are welcome to participate, particularly candidate QHINs, those thinking of applying to be a QHIN, and those thinking of applying to be a Participant or Subparticipant of a QHIN and who expect to be leveraging Facilitated FHIR when it is available. To register and learn more visit the HL7 site: https://confluence.hl7.org/display/FHIR/2023+-+05+TEFCA+Facilitated+FHIR#id-202305TEFCAFacilitatedFHIR-Zulipstream
LEARN MORE | REGISTER FOR HIMSS
The long-awaited Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) is live and exchange partners are signing up. Hot on its heels comes rules from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT to prevent Information Blocking as required by the 21st Century Cures Act signed into law
in 2016. These rules provide for unprecedented financial penalties for entities that, “prevent, discourage, or interfere with the access, exchange, or use of [health] information.” Complying with these new rules is a challenge for many health information exchange partners. Our panel will explore the intricacies of
compliance and outline the evolving compliance landscape.
LEARN MORE | REGISTER FOR HIMSS
In 2018, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) announced a vision for a single on-ramp for nationwide connectivity for heath information exchange. In 2019, ONC awarded The Sequoia Project, and sub-contractors including Carequality, a cooperative agreement to serve as the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) to help achieve that vision of a “network of networks.” The RCE is responsible for developing, updating, implementing, and maintaining the Common Agreement component of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). The Common Agreement will create the baseline technical and legal requirements for health information networks to share electronic health information and is part of the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act). The speakers will review the current scope and requirements of the TEFCA and the progress made by the RCE in collaboration with ONC, to include the Common Agreement and the Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) Technical Framework. Opportunities for stakeholder and community input will be presented.
LEARN MORE | REGISTER FOR HIMSS
Join U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm and National Coordinator for Health IT Micky Tripathi for a discussion about the department’s health IT priorities and continued efforts to enable the digital health care system of the future with information sharing as a standard of care and business. This important conversation will highlight key department-wide priorities such as health IT alignment, health equity, behavioral health, and more.
LEARN MORE | REGISTER FOR HIMSS
The 21st Century Cures Act required the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to develop or support the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). The Sequoia Project, selected by ONC as the TEFCA Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE), opened the Qualified Health Information Network (QHINs) application on October 3, 2022. This panel discussion with ONC, the RCE, and representatives from the first approved QHIN applicants will discuss the status of the onboarding process and vision for the future.
LEARN MORE | REGISTER FOR HIMSS
This session describes security considerations for the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). TEFCA security includes the governance of the TEFCA network, security requirements for Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs), and flow-down requirements from the Common Agreement which affect Participants, Subparticipants, and Individual Access Service providers. Additionally, the QHIN Technical Framework (QTF) includes important technical security provisions for enabling secure and trusted connectivity services between QHINs.
Monday, February 13, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ET
On Monday, February 13, HHS recognized the first set of applicant organizations that are approved for onboarding as Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) under TEFCA. Following this approval, the organizations will officially begin the onboarding process and, if successful, will be designated as QHINs. At this event, HHS Secretary Becerra recognized these organizations for their willingness to voluntarily step up and meet the demanding TEFCA eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions of TEFCA participation. These organizations committed to meeting a 12-month go-live timeline. The event was live-streamed at https://hhs.gov/live.
The 21st Century Cures Act directed the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) to develop or support the TEFCA, which outlines a common set of principles, terms, and conditions to enable nationwide exchange of electronic health information across disparate health information networks. The Sequoia Project serves as the TEFCA Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) and is charged with developing, updating, implementing, and maintaining the Common Agreement and stewarding the Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) Technical Framework, which is the technical specification for how QHINs connect to one another. Version 1 of the TEFCA, released in January of 2022, authorizes six exchange purposes— Treatment, Payment, Health Care Operations, Individual Access Services, Public Health, and Government Benefits Determination.
The goal of this presentation is for ONC, the RCE and CDC to help the public health community understand the importance of TEFCA and the public health exchange purpose, the value it will bring to their agency or organization and how to get involved. At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
For more information on TEFCA please see: https://rce.sequoiaproject.org/.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host a public informational call as an opportunity to share information about the progress to-date. An anticipated agenda will be shared in advance each month.
Anticipated agenda each month:
**We apologize in advance for any technical difficulties that may occur as virtual meeting services like GoToWebinar may be experiencing unusually high activity. We appreciate your patience.**
The RCE is hosting office hour sessions for organizations who have submitted their intent to apply. The RCE will share the registration with those organizations.
The RCE is hosting a public webinar to gather stakeholder input on development of the Payment and Healthcare Operations Exchange Purpose SOP.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host a public office hour session every week this month as an opportunity for stakeholders to participate in Q&A.
*We apologize in advance for any technical difficulties that may occur as virtual meeting services like GoToWebinar may be experiencing unusually high activity. We appreciate your patience.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host a 3-hour deep dive webinar focusing on QHIN eligibility and the application, onboarding, and designation process. There will be opportunities for stakeholders to participate in Q&A.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will share an overview of the draft Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) Onboarding and Designation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and draft QHIN Application released on May 16, 2022.
The webinar will provide an overview of the draft application and draft SOP, which propose the process and specific requirements for QHIN onboarding and designation. Details will be provided on how applicants would satisfy the QHIN eligibility criteria and the testing process.
This meeting will provide prospective QHINs and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas. Stakeholders are also encouraged to provide feedback via the online form here:
TEFCA: A Security Discussion with the RCE
Join ONC’s Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) for an overview of the published security and privacy policies, as well as those still under consideration.
April 6, 2022 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
The Common Agreement Workshop for Prospective QHINs that began on March 10, 2022 will continue with Part 3 on April 6, 2022.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host an intensive workshop on the Common Agreement, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and QHIN eligibility criteria. This interactive, 2-hour event is a continuation of the Workshop on March 10th and March 24th. This event is intended only for prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and their health IT vendors as they prepare to apply to become QHINs.
March 24, 2022 | 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. ET
The Common Agreement Workshop for Prospective QHINs that began on March 10, 2022 will continue with Part 2 on March 24, 2022.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host an intensive workshop on the Common Agreement, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and QHIN eligibility criteria. This interactive, 2-hour event is a continuation of the Workshop on March 10th and intended only for prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and their health IT vendors as they prepare to apply to become QHINs.
*The QHIN Technical Framework (QTF) Workshop originally scheduled for this date and time will be rescheduled.*
March 14, 2022 | 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. ET | Learn More
March 15, 2022 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET | Learn More
March 15, 2022 | 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET | Learn More
March 16, 2022 | 3:30 – 4:15 p.m. ET | Learn More
March 16, 2022 | 4:30 – 5:15 p.m. ET | Learn More
March 10, 2022 | 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host an intensive workshop on the Common Agreement Version 1, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and QHIN eligibility criteria. This interactive, half-day event is intended only for prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and their health IT vendors as they prepare to apply to become QHINs.
March 1, 2022 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. ET
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host an open question and answer session on the Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) Technical Framework Version 1 (QTF) and FHIR Roadmap for TEFCA Exchange released on January 18, 2022. The virtual event will begin with the RCE addressing QTF questions submitted, but not answered, at prior events. Then the RCE will take live questions from attendees.
February 22, 2022 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host an open question and answer session on the Common Agreement Version 1 released on January 18, 2022. The virtual event will begin with the RCE addressing Common Agreement questions submitted, but not answered, at prior events. Then the RCE will take live questions from attendees.
February 3, 2022 | 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. ET
Download Slides | View Recording
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will present an in-depth review of specific aspects of the final Common Agreement released on January 18, 2022. Anticipated topics for discussion include an overview of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) as well as the QHIN criteria. This meeting will also provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is implemented in 2022.
February 2, 2022 | 1:15 – 2:45 p.m. ET
Download Slides | View Recording
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will share an in-depth review of specific aspects of the Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework (QTF) published on January 18, 2022. Anticipated topics for discussion include an overview of the framework as well the FHIR® roadmap. This meeting will also provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is implemented in 2022.
January 26, 2022 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Download Slides | View Recording
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will present a high-level overview of the final Common Agreement released on January 18, 2022. This meeting will also provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is implemented in 2022
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) will host a public informational call as an opportunity to share information about the progress to-date. An anticipated agenda will be shared in advance each month.
Thursday, October 14, 2021 | 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
*Topics Updated*
This public meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share an in-depth review of specific aspects of the Elements of the Common Agreement released on September 20, 2021. Anticipated topics for discussion include an in-depth review of: QHIN Designation and Eligibility Criteria. Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) will also have an opportunity to provide feedback related to specific questions the RCE staff have regarding the planned components of the final Common Agreement. This is also an opportunity for the public to share support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is finalized for implementation in 2022.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
View Meeting Materials and Recording
The Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC) was established in the 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act) and is governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) which sets forth standards for the formation and use of federal advisory committees. The RCE presented to this committee at their October 13, 2021 meeting.
Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
*Topics Updated*
This public meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share an in-depth review of specific aspects of the Elements of the Common Agreement released on September 20, 2021. Anticipated topics for discussion include an in-depth review of: Individual Access Services; Governing Approach; Change Management; RCE Directory Service; and Fees. Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) will also have an opportunity to provide feedback related to specific questions the RCE staff have regarding the planned components of the final Common Agreement. This is also an opportunity for the public to share support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is finalized for implementation in 2022.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
This public meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share an in-depth review of specific aspects of the Elements of the Common Agreement released on September 20, 2021. Anticipated topics for discussion include an in-depth review of: Permitted Requests, Uses and Disclosures; Required Responses and Required Information (including Consent); and Privacy and Security. Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) will also have an opportunity to provide feedback related to specific questions the RCE staff have regarding the planned components of the final Common Agreement. This is also an opportunity for the public to share support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is finalized for implementation in 2022.
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET
This stakeholder feedback meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share a high-level overview of the Elements of the Common Agreement released on September 20, 2021. This meeting will also provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas as the Common Agreement is finalized for implementation in 2022.
This presentation will occur during the standard, monthly informational call on Tuesday, September 21st at Noon ET. If you are already registered for the monthly series, you do not need to re-register for this event.
This public input meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share an in-depth review of specific aspects of the revised draft Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework (QTF) published on July 28, 2021. Anticipated topics for discussion include an in-depth technical review. Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) will also have an opportunity to provide feedback related to specific questions the RCE staff have regarding the planned components of the final QTF. This is also an opportunity for the public to share support, concerns, and ideas as the QTF is finalized for implementation in 2022.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) hosted two public informational sessions at HIMSS 2021. Recordings may be available via HIMSS.
This public input meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share a high-level overview of the revised draft Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework (QTF) published on July 28, 2021. This meeting will also provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas as the QTF is finalized for implementation in 2022.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) hosted a public informational call in 2020 as an opportunity to share information about the progress to-date.
Agenda each month of 2020:
View Recording | Download Slides
Efforts are underway to implement the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which will facilitate exchange of electronic health information between Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and their participants. During this session, the TEFCA Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE), The Sequoia Project, will share an overview of recommended measure concepts and suggested timing for implementation and use of the metrics to assess the performance of QHINs and their role in enabling exchange nationally. Experts will provide input on the RCE’s proposed metrics, with time for audience questions, all of which will help inform the RCE’s final development of metrics for QHINs exchanging electronic health information under TEFCA.
Wednesday, March 18th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
Download Presentation Slides | View Recording
This public stakeholder feedback meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) with an opportunity to share information about the progress to-date of the Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework (QTF) development. This meeting will also provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to share their support, concerns, and ideas as the next iteration of the QTF is developed.
**We apologize in advance for any technical difficulties that may occur as virtual meeting services like GoToWebinar may be experiencing unusually high activity this week. We appreciate your patience.**
Monday, March 16th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
Download Presentation Slides | View Recording
This 60-minute public meeting will provide the RCE an opportunity to share information about the progress and direction of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Additional Required Terms and Conditions (ARTCs) as related to governance of exchange activities. Prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide input regarding the governance functions contemplated for exchange activities under the Common Agreement.
Wednesday, March 4th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET
Download Presentation Slides | View Recording
The Wednesday, March 4th, public meeting will provide the RCE an opportunity to share information about the progress and direction of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Additional Required Terms and Conditions (ARTCs) as related to preserving the stability of the QHIN network. Prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to provide feedback to the RCE RCE to inform development of the next iteration of the ARTCs.
Tuesday, February 25th | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
The announcement of the Common Agreement Work Group (CAWG) has generated interest and dialogue among prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and others interested in applying for the Common Agreement Work Group. We have received multiple questions from prospective applicants on common themes which require specific responses. As we near the submission deadline for CAWG applications, we think it would be most efficient and helpful to host an interactive webinar to address these questions directly for all prospective applicants.
This public webinar is an opportunity for prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and others interested in applying for the Common Agreement Work Group to have questions answered regarding the application process. The RCE staff will be available to explain the review and selection process and answer any questions from the community.
In addition, we are extending the CAWG application deadline to Friday, 3/6/20 to allow sufficient time for applicants to review the revisions.
Tuesday, February 18th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET — Part 1
Wednesday, February 19th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET — Part 1
Wednesday, February 26th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET — Part 2
*Due to popular demand, this TEFCA RCE Public Stakeholder Feedback Session: Exchange Operations ARTCs (Part 1 of 2) webinar is now occurring twice. Please plant to attend either February 18th or February 19th. The content will be the same.*
Download Presentation for Part 1 & 2
View Recording for Part 1 (02.18.2020) | View Recording for Part 1 (02.19.2020)
View Recording for Part 2 (02.26.2020)
The 21st Century Cures Act directed the National Coordinator to develop or adopt a Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). ONC selected The Sequoia Project to serve as the TEFCA Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) that is responsible for drafting the Common Agreement that will support the exchange activities. The Common Agreement consists of three components, the Minimum Required Terms and Conditions (MRTCs), the Additional Required Terms and Conditions (ARTCs) and the Qualified Technical Framework (QTF).
This series of Exchange Operations ARTCs public meetings will provide the RCE an opportunity to share information about the progress and direction of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Additional Required Terms and Conditions (ARTCs) as it relates to exchange operations under the purview of the Common Agreement. Prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders will have an opportunity to express their support for specific ideas, or considerations that the RCE should bear in mind when developing the next iteration of the ARTCs.
Please note: There are two separate Exchange Operations ARTCs, requiring separate registrations. The content covered in each meeting will be different and stakeholders are encouraged to attend both.
Wednesday, February 12th | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
Download Presentation Slides | View Recording
This public stakeholder feedback meeting will provide the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) an opportunity to share its analysis of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) Summary of Disclosures Requirements. ONC received numerous comments regarding the proposed Summary of Disclosures provisions and asked the RCE to do further research. The purpose of this webinar is to walk through that analysis and enlist stakeholder input regarding the options to inform the RCE’s recommendations to ONC on this important policy.
Monday, January 27th | 10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ET
Practical Considerations for the Common Agreement and Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework
Members from the RCE team will share progress to date, highlighting key topics for stakeholder consideration and feedback as it relates to the Common Agreement and QHIN Technical Framework. As an interactive dialogue, the audience will be invited to share perspectives to inform the RCE’s and ONC’s work.
Wednesday, December 11th | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Think Tank is now closed.
Download Presentation Slides | View Recording
This initial public, stakeholder feedback meeting provided the RCE an opportunity to share information about the progress and direction of the Qualified Health Information Network Technical Framework (QTF) development, and provide prospective Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) and other interested stakeholders an opportunity to express their support for specific ideas, or concerns that the RCE staff should bear in mind when developing the next iteration of the QTF.
Objectives:
Thursday, December 5th | Afternoon
Go To The Annual Meeting Landing Page
The Sequoia Project Annual Meeting included RCE and TEFCA related sessions for attendees featuring speakers from the RCE and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Visit The Sequoia Project Annual Meeting web page to view video recordings and download presentation slides.
Monday, October 7th | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET
Download Presentation Slides | View Recording
Join the RCE and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT for our public kick-off of the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE). We will provide an overview of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) and the role of the new RCE.
Complete the form below and join our mailing list.