You may have heard that TEFCA is now live
This means that the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common AgreementSM (TEFCASM) is operational and exchange of health information is happening every minute via TEFCA. TEFCA supports six exchange purposes, enabling a multitude of use cases and driving innovation.
TEFCA provides an efficient vehicle to send, receive, and query for standardized electronic health information from a broad array of participating organizations across the nation.
TEFCA can benefit your organization
As you identify what TEFCA participation would mean for you, consider the following.
Expanded access to health information
- All organizations participating in TEFCA exchange sign the same Terms of Participation, minimizing the need for one-off data use agreements.
- The purposes for which data can be shared are clearly defined and include Treatment, Payment, Health Care Operations, Public Health, Government Benefits Determination, and Individual Access Services.
Efficient data sharing
TEFCA creates a trust framework and technical infrastructure that allows you to share data with other authorized entities without the need for establishing and maintaining multiple connections, reducing cost and burden.
- All participants are working within the bounds of existing laws, including HIPAA. Only those authorized to receive data will be able to ask for it.
- TEFCA includes strong privacy and security protections that align with the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
Nationwide connectivity
TEFCA may help you meet your regulatory obligations
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has leveraged participation in TEFCA for certain programs, including the Medicare Promoting Interoperability Programs and the information blocking provisions.
The RCE and TEFCA
The Sequoia Project, as the ONC Recognized Coordinating Entity® hosts the industry-leading RCETM Directory Service to enable organizations participating in TEFCA exchange to look up other TEFCA Participants they want to request data from or share data with.
Now that TEFCA is operational, the RCE not only continues to onboard and designate QHINs, but is also advancing the FHIR® Roadmap for TEFCA Exchange, rolling-out additional exchange purposes, developing framework enhancements, overseeing TEFCA governance, and spurring adoption of TEFCA exchange.
Want to learn more about the RCE and ONC?
Looking for more information about TEFCA?
The Designated QHINs have been announced!
RCE is proud to introduce the designated Qualified Health Information Networks.
