We are now well past the 22 year mark in our quest for healthcare interoperability. Under an executive order from president G W Bush (April 2004), the ONC was established and Dr. David Brailer was dubbed “America’s first Health Information Czar.” The Meaningful Use program was then born out of the HITECH Act and Merit-Based Incentive Payment System out of the MACRA legislation. And then information sharing from the CURES Act. And then the release of Trusted Exchange Framework and the Common Agreement (TEFCA). And now the CMS Interoperability Framework. All trying to move our healthcare system to the digital age, better outcomes, controlling and reducing costs, and patient access to their health data. It has not been an easy road and the debate of the journey will never end.
Industry and Contract News
Health Plan Clients Rate Health Gorilla #1 for Payer Interoperability, FHIR/API, Consent, Terminology and Identity Resolution in User Survey
Health plan and managed care clients participating in Black Book Research’s 2026 State of Payer Digital Technology: Managed Care and Health Plans survey rated Health Gorilla the #1 vendor in Interoperability, FHIR/API, Consent, Terminology and Identity Resolution, one of 27 client satisfaction award categories released during AHIP26 week in Las Vegas held June 9-10, 2026.
The Sequoia Project Releases New Guidance To Advance Automated Consent for Health Information Exchange
The Sequoia Project, a nonprofit and trusted advocate for nationwide health information exchange, announced the release of “Operationalizing Automated Consent: Actionable Guidance for Health Care Providers, Payers, and Technology Vendors.” Developed by its Interoperability Matters Privacy & Consent Workgroup (PCWG), the resource provides practical guidance and example tools to help organizations evaluate and implement automated, computable consent processes for sharing health information.
eClinicalWorks and healow Genie Automate Up to 90% of Inbound Calls Within Weeks of Implementation at Maryland Endocrine
eClinicalWorks®, one of the largest ambulatory cloud EHRs, announced that Maryland Endocrine has automated approximately 80-90% of inbound calls and voicemails within 2-4 weeks of implementing healow GenieTM an AI-powered contact center solution. The AI contact center has reduced missed calls, streamlined workflows, and improved patient response times across the Central Maryland community.
Baystate Health and Oracle Health Expand Strategic Collaboration to Create a Connected and Patient-Centered Care Experience
Baystate Health, a not-for-profit, integrated health system in western Massachusetts, is expanding its strategic relationship with Oracle Health to create a more connected healthcare experience for patients and clinicians. Through this initiative, Baystate Health plans to accelerate the adoption of Oracle Health technologies across its network, including its health plan, Health New England. This modernization journey will be enabled by AI-powered solutions including Oracle Health EHR, Oracle Health AI Data Platform, Oracle Health Patient Accounting, Oracle Health Patient Portal, and Oracle Health Clinical AI Agent.
New Surescripts Survey Results: More Than Half of Patients Hit Roadblocks Accessing Their Prescriptions
Surescripts®, the nation’s leading health intelligence network, released a new report with the results of a national survey of 1,007 U.S. adults conducted by The Harris Poll, revealing that more than half (56%) of patients experience challenges when accessing prescriptions, citing cost, delays and prior authorizations as significant barriers.
Spotlight on Community Networks
The Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement (NRHI) and the Strategic Health Information Exchange Collaborative (SHIEC) announced a formal affiliation between the two organizations to form a new organization named Civitas Networks for Health. The organization serves as a platform for local nonprofit health collaboratives and health information exchanges to grow and thrive. Read their latest news. Follow them @civitas4health.
Civitas2026 Annual Conference Sponsorship Prospectus Now Available
They are pleased to share that the 2026 Civitas Annual Conference Sponsorship Prospectus is now available! The Civitas Annual Conference brings together leaders from across the health data and health improvement ecosystem—including Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), Health Data Utilities (HDUs), Community Information Exchanges (CIEs), Regional Health Improvement Collaboratives (RHICs), public health organizations, quality improvement organizations, policymakers, and national partners, to advance collaboration and real-world implementation.
Introducing the First-Ever Civitas Networks for Health® Impact Report
They are proud to share the first-ever Civitas Networks for Health® Impact Report, highlighting the collective progress, growth, and real-world impact of our national networks.
Since their founding in 2021, Civitas has been built on a simple but powerful belief: local implementation, grounded in trusted relationships and strong data, drives national health improvement. In just a few years, that belief has grown into a network of more than 160 mission-driven organizations working across states and communities to strengthen health data exchange, collaboration, and decision-making.
State HIE News
Florida Health Information Exchange Selects CRISP Shared Services to Modernize Interoperability and Transform Care Across the State
CRISP Shared Services (CSS), a nonprofit providing health infrastructure and data exchange technology across the nation, is the new platform for Florida Health Information Exchange (Florida HIE) governed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). As AHCA’s new partner, CSS has been working to transition Florida HIE over the past year to provide enhanced care coordination, consent management, and improved interoperability. The transition will go live on July 1, 2026, with expanded healthcare entity participation in the network.
Manifest MedEx Expands Health Data Leadership with New Mission, Vision, and Refreshed Identity
Manifest MedEx (MX), California’s largest nonprofit health data network, announced a new mission and a 10-year vision for a future in which high-quality health data supports whole person health in every community. Reflecting these goals, MX also launched an updated brand identity and website today as it prepares to introduce California’s first statewide social health information exchange (SHIE) later this year.
Hires and Openings
Contexture
Contexture is a nonprofit organization that provides strategic, technical and administrative support to communities committed to advancing health through information sharing. As the leading health information exchange for Arizona and Colorado, Contexture is the largest health information organization in the western region. Check out all their current openings.
Delaware Health Information Network
Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) was the first live, statewide health information exchange in the nation. Launched in 2007, today it serves all of Delaware’s acute care hospitals and nearly 100% of the state’s medical providers. More than 14 million clinical results and reports are delivered through DHIN each year. There are over three million unique patients with results on DHIN, including patients from all 50 states. DHIN shares real-time clinical information to improve patient outcomes, eliminate the duplication of services and reduce the cost of healthcare. Check out their current opening for Chief Growth Officer.
healthEconnect Alaska
Hiring: Healthcare Engagement Specialist – healthEconnect Alaska is seeking an experienced healthcare professional who thrives on building relationships, supporting others, and driving healthcare efficiency. If you have at least five years of professional healthcare experience, a strong understanding of healthcare workflows, and a passion for whole-person care, they want to hear from you. View more information about the position.
CIVHC (Center for Improving Value in Health Care)
The Center for Improving Value in Health Care (CIVHC) is an independent non-profit that equips partners and communities in Colorado and across the nation with the resources, services and unbiased data needed to improve health and health care. As the designated administrator of Colorado’s All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD), CIVHC oversees the collection of health care claims from Colorado’s public and private health care insurers and uses that information to promote price transparency, inform policy, advance health equity, conduct research, and much more. Check out their Current Openings.
VITL
Vermont Information Technology Leaders is seeking a Director of Client Services and Communications to join its leadership team and help advance its mission of improving health through secure data exchange across Vermont. This senior role will lead the organization’s client engagement strategy, oversee communications and external affairs, and guide a growing team focused on strengthening relationships with providers and stakeholders statewide. The position plays a critical role in shaping how VITL delivers value—from developing scalable service offerings and expanding provider participation to building a cohesive brand and communications platform. The Director will also serve as a key public-facing leader, representing VITL in Vermont and nationally while helping translate strategic priorities into operational impact. This is a unique opportunity for a leader with experience in healthcare, health IT, or client engagement to drive meaningful improvements in data sharing, collaboration, and health outcomes across the region.
Upcoming Events
Civitas Annual Conference
When: September 22-24, 2026
Where: Crystal City VA
Event Page
Register coming soon.
Hashtag: #Civitas2026
They are pleased to share that the 2026 Civitas Annual Conference Sponsorship Prospectus is now available! The Civitas Annual Conference brings together leaders from across the health data and health improvement ecosystem—including Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), Health Data Utilities (HDUs), Community Information Exchanges (CIEs), Regional Health Improvement Collaboratives (RHICs), public health organizations, quality improvement organizations, policymakers, and national partners—to advance collaboration and real-world implementation.
2026 eHealth Exchange Annual Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Where: Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Austin TX
Event Page
Register coming soon.
This year’s theme, Recharging the Connection, reflects the resilience required to advance nationwide interoperability and the importance of sustaining the people who power it. Healthcare transformation demands focus, endurance, and collaboration, and this gathering is designed to create space for both strategic dialogue and renewal.
The Sequoia Project Annual Meeting
When: October 28-29, 2026
Where: Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Austin TX
Event Page
Register Now
The Sequoia Project & Carequality 2026 Annual Meeting is the premier gathering of healthcare leaders, policy experts, and technology innovators dedicated to advancing nationwide health data exchange. This two-day event will bring together key stakeholders committed to shaping the future of trusted exchange.
ONC's Cures Act Final Rule
In May of 2020 the 21st Century Cures Act: Interoperability, Information Blocking, and the ONC Health IT Certification Program released by the ONC and published in the Federal Register.
The TEFCA Players
ONC Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE)
The Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) – The Sequoia Project (@sequoiaproject)is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining the Common Agreement component of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). The Common Agreement is 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).
In addition they will collaborate with ONC to designate and monitor Qualified Health Information Networks (QHIN), modify and update an accompanying QHIN Technical Framework, engage with stakeholders through virtual public listening sessions, adjudicate noncompliance with the Common Agreement, and propose sustainability strategies to support TEFCA beyond the cooperative agreement’s period of performance.
On August 28, 2023, the ONC awarded The Sequoia Project 5-Year TEFCA RCE Contract to continue their services.
RCE Resource Library – which includes a guide to the Common Agreement, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical documents, and other resources that make up TEFCA’s rules of the road. Start your journey to next generation interoperability here.
The Sequoia Project and Carequality Annual Meeting 2025
See keynote from CMS DOGE & ASTP Keynote ( Welcome & CMS DOGE & ASTP Keynote | Sequoia & CEQ Annual Meeting 2025 ), trusted exchange (Putting the Trust in Trusted Exchange | Sequoia & CEQ Annual Meeting 2025), CMS-Aligned Networks (CMS Aligned Networks | Sequoia & Carequality 2025 Annual Meeting),and more sessions, speakers and topics.
To review all of the recordings post event and see what everyone is talking about:
- Videos here and scroll down: The Sequoia Project
Designated QHINs as of February 2024
Interoperability Market
According to research by Grand View Research, the global healthcare interoperability solutions market size was estimated at USD 3.42 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.15% from 2024 to 2030. An increase in the adoption of interoperability solutions by healthcare authorities, a rise in investments to enhance healthcare facilities, favorable government initiatives to improve patient care, high government funding, and a focus on patient-centric care are some major factors propelling the market growth. In February 2023, the federal government provided USD 505 million to federal data partners and Canada Health Infoway to advance digital health tools and an interoperability roadmap. Thus, the rising investments and funding from government bodies are anticipated to drive the industry growth.