When you visit a new doctor, move to a different state, or head to an urgent care clinic, you usually expect your medical history to follow you. In practice, getting health records to move seamlessly between different systems, hospitals, and software platforms remains one of the toughest challenges in modern healthcare. That goal—making sure health data flows securely and accurately wherever it is needed—is known as interoperability. From October 27–29, 2026, healthcare leaders, technology developers, and policy experts will gather at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort near Austin, Texas, for The Sequoia Project and Carequality Joint Annual Meeting. Across 34 sessions, attendees will discuss how federal policy, artificial intelligence, and network standards are shaping the future of medical data sharing. Here is a look at the major themes on this year’s agenda and why they matter to the future of healthcare:
Federal Policy and National Data Standards
Government agencies play a central role in setting rules for how medical information is handled. This year’s meeting features perspectives from key policy leaders:
- ONC Leadership: Dr. Tom Keane, National Coordinator for Health IT, will discuss federal policy priorities and strategies aimed at streamlining information flow across the health ecosystem.
- TEFCA Strategy: Steven Posnack (HHS) will outline the roadmap for the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), which establishes national rules of the road for secure data sharing.
- Enforcement and Compliance: Experts from the HHS Office of Inspector General will unpack regulatory expectations, civil monetary penalties, and how organizations can ensure their workflows remain compliant.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Usability
Having access to medical data is only helpful if that data is clean and usable. As healthcare software adopts artificial intelligence, the industry is focused on doing so responsibly:
- AI in Action: Sessions will explore how machine learning models automate data exchange and support clinical decisions, while navigating safety and ethical governance.
- Data Usability: A case study moderated by AHIMA CEO Dave Cella will highlight practical steps organizations are taking to turn raw, messy health data into clear, actionable information for clinicians.
Interactive Debates on Essential Industry Definitions
Not all discussions at the meeting follow traditional lecture formats. The agenda includes several interactive sessions designed to tackle gray areas in health IT:
- “Who is a Provider?”: Panelists and audience members will use red and green voting cards to debate rapid-fire scenarios exploring who qualifies as a “provider”—a definition that directly impacts data exchange permissions and reimbursement.
- Peer-Driven Unconferences: Small group discussions will give attendees a space to collaborate on emerging topics like privacy preferences and computable consent.
For more information or to register, visit: The Sequoia Project
Dianne Koval, RHIA, CCEP, CHPS
Vice President, Operations
Centauri Health Solutions, Inc.