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
H1 Selected by CMS to Help Build a Trusted National Foundation for Provider Information
H1, the AI-powered platform that connects the world to the right doctors, announced that it has been selected by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide Ground Truth Data Sourcing and Licensing and Data Aggregation, Quality, and Assurance Services for the National Provider Directory (NPD).
Release of USCDI+ Quality Version 2
In September, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is pleased to announce the release of USCDI+ Quality Version 2. This release builds on USCDI+ Quality Version 1 and Draft USCDI+ Quality Version 2, reflecting public feedback, coordination with federal partners, alignment with USCDI and US Core implementation guidance, and continued work to advance standardized data for digital quality measurement and reporting.
January 1, 2027: Full FHIR API Payers Requirements Deadline
All Four Required APIs Must Be Live
- Patient Access API
- Must include prior authorization data (non‑drug).
- Provider Access API
- Claims, encounter data, USCDI data, PA info.
- Requires payer‑developed attribution process.
- Payer‑to‑Payer API
- Patient opt‑in, payer discovery, data exchange.
- Prior Authorization API (CRD/DTR/PAS)
- Full electronic prior authorization workflow.
EHRA Advisory
As the industry prepares to transition to electronic prior authorization (ePA), the EHR Association has published Transitioning to Electronic Prior Authorization (PDF), a resource to build awareness and readiness across the healthcare ecosystem. It provides an overview of how ePA may affect provider workflows, along with practical considerations and preparation steps to help healthcare organizations prepare for the January 1, 2027 compliance date.
New QHIN Applications Accepted
The Sequoia Project, HHS’ recognized coordinating entity for TEFCA, has accepted 2 new organizations that have completed the Qualified Health Information Network® (QHIN™) application and have been accepted into the project planning and testing phase of the onboarding and designation process.
Health Level Seven Launches Break the Code Program
HL7 International, the global authority on interoperability of health IT with members in 55 countries, announced the launch of Break the Code, a free, global workforce development initiative that equips university students with practical experience building healthcare applications with HL7 FHIR.
Product News
Gluware Extends Its Automation Platform Beyond the Network to Connected Medical Devices
Gluware, Inc., the intelligent automation company, announced Gluware IoMT Exposure Management, bringing its proven automation platform to the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), the infusion pumps, imaging systems, patient monitors, and clinical workstations at the center of care delivery.
athenahealth Uses Connected Data and AI to Surface What Matters in Value-Based Care
athenahealth announced new AI-native capabilities in athenaOne®, designed to help healthcare organizations succeed in value-based care (VBC). By combining AI with one of healthcare’s most connected data networks in a single, unified platform, athenaOne helps organizations identify and address opportunities across the patient journey and make faster, more informed decisions.
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.
State HIE News
As the designated HIE operator, Converge Health Iowa is built on principles of neutrality, transparency, and public stewardship. They are aligned with Iowa priorities, and accountable to the communities they serve. Data shared through the HIE is treated as a public good, not a commercial asset. Whether you are a hospital, a small clinic, or a community organization, your participation strengthens Iowa’s health ecosystem. Joining is easy!
Hires and Openings
VITL
Vermont Information Technology Leaders is seeking a Project Manager. The Project Manager is responsible for the management or oversight of a portfolio of projects across the organization, ranging from small projects to large-scale technology projects that involve resources from across the organization and our vendors. The Project Manager (PM) will work with VITL leadership, technology, business and operational staff, subject matter experts, stakeholders, and clients. The PM will be responsible for ensuring alignment on project goals; developing and executing project plans; scheduling, planning and documenting all meetings; scheduling resources; tracking and communicating status; and managing action items. In addition, the PM will develop and manage project budgets, develop plans for ongoing support of any new tools or capabilities, and manage risks, issues and changes. The PM will work under the direction of the PMO Lead and in partnership with project sponsors.
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.
Now Hiring: CIVHC Data Support Analyst II
CIVHC is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented data analyst to join the Training and Data Enhancement team as Client Relations Direct Support for 411, CIVHC’s customer support and data investigation system. This role is ideal for an analyst with experience working with health care claims data who is ready to take on increasingly complex technical support and analytic responsibilities, exercise greater independence, and deepen their expertise in the Colorado All Payer Claims Database (CO APCD) and related health care data. Analysts at this level work collaboratively with CIVHC’s operational teams – Data Analytics & Insights, Evaluation, Innovation & Research, Data Access, Compliance, and Technology – to investigate complex client questions, develop accurate and consistent technical responses, and support the delivery of high-quality data products and services. Successful candidates are curious, collaborative, client-focused, and passionate about translating complex health care data into actionable information for a variety of stakeholders.
This position is based in Denver, Colorado. Because CIVHC operates under a hybrid work model with a requirement of at least one in-office day per week (unless otherwise approved), candidates must reside within a commutable distance to the Denver metro area. View more information about this position.
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.
Upcoming Events
The 2026 DirectTrust Annual Conference
When: October 20-21, 2026
Where: Oracle Innovations Campus, Kansas City MO
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Join them in Kansas City for the 2026 DirectTrust Annual Conference: Trust at the Crossroads—two inspiring days of learning, collaboration, and community. This annual gathering brings together leaders across healthcare including interoperability, cybersecurity, identity, trust services, standards, accreditation, and innovation to explore what’s next for their ecosystem.
2026 WEDI National Conference
When: October 26-29, 2026
Where: Washington DC & Vitural
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The WEDI National Conference is the premier annual gathering of health care leaders, policymakers, innovators, and technology experts committed to advancing a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered health care system.
Each year, the conference brings together stakeholders from across the health care ecosystem, including payers, providers, health IT developers, government agencies, standards development organizations, clearinghouses, and industry partners, to share best practices, lessons learned, emerging trends, and real-world implementation experiences. Through thought-provoking keynotes, interactive panel discussions, and practical case studies, attendees gain actionable insights into the policies, standards, and technologies shaping the future of health care.
2026 eHealth Exchange Annual Meeting
When: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Where: Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Austin TX
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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
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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.
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.