HIMSS welcomes the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (HTI-2) final rule, which was released Dec. 11 by the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy’s Health Information Technology Certification Program.
HIMSS experts are currently analyzing the final rule and its implications for the healthcare community, including what it will mean for HIMSS members. The final rule is available at the Federal Register and will be published Dec. 16, 2024.
The final rule has been more refined to focus on TEFCA requirements than was outlined in the proposed rule, which HIMSS submitted feedback on in October. The rule makes administrative changes to the CEHRT program required by the 21st Century Cures ACT, updates policies for Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) under TEFCA, and clarifies issues around fees and versions of FHIR permitted under the TEFCA Manner Exception to Information Blocking as proposed in HTI-1.
Based on an initial review, HIMSS is encouraged by ASTP/ONC’s efforts to deliver nationwide interoperability and welcomes an ongoing dialogue with ASTP to digitally transform the healthcare ecosystem of the United States through the power of information and technology.
We understand broader scope items and future provisions are still under consideration and may be released before the end of the Biden administration.
Previously, HIMSS stated our support of the proposed new and revised certification criteria, adoption standards and launch Insights program. These changes would facilitate nation-wide interoperability. However, HIMSS urged ASTP/ONC to consider the cost and resources for developers and end users to adopt the proposed changes when finalizing rulemaking.
Stay engaged with HIMSS on social media as our experts provide a deeper analysis of the final rule and other policy-related initiatives.
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