Why You Should Pay Attention to TEFCA—Even If You’re Not Participating Today
When people hear about the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), many assume it only matters to organizations that are already connected to a Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN). The reality is that TEFCA is shaping the future of nationwide interoperability, and everyone involved in healthcare data exchange should be paying attention. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is participating in TEFCA governance activities through the QHIN community. As a member of the QHIN Caucus, I have the opportunity to collaborate with other QHINs on issues impacting the network, discuss operational and policy challenges, review and comment on proposed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), evaluate implementation considerations, provide feedback on emerging interoperability topics, and help identify opportunities to improve the nationwide exchange framework. These discussions are not theoretical. They directly influence how TEFCA evolves, how organizations exchange information, and how future interoperability use cases may be supported across the healthcare ecosystem.
What many people don't realize is that TEFCA's governance model is designed to encourage broad participation. While QHINs play an important role, healthcare organizations, vendors, providers, payers, technology companies, consultants, and other stakeholders all have opportunities to stay informed and contribute feedback. The healthcare industry is facing complex questions around patient access, identity proofing, consent management, privacy, security, FHIR-based exchange, provider-to-provider interoperability, and emerging use cases that have yet to be fully defined. The decisions made today will impact the direction of healthcare interoperability for years to come. Fortunately, you don't need to be a QHIN to participate in the conversation.
The Recognized Coordinating Entity regularly hosts public TEFCA community meetings that provide updates on policy development, implementation progress, technical initiatives, governance activities, and future priorities. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to hear directly from TEFCA leaders, learn what is being discussed across the ecosystem, and better understand where interoperability is headed. Even if your organization is not currently participating in TEFCA, I encourage you to attend these meetings. They provide a unique window into one of the most significant interoperability initiatives in healthcare and offer an opportunity to contribute your perspective through the established governance and feedback processes.
The future of interoperability is not being built behind closed doors. It is being shaped through collaboration, discussion, and engagement across the healthcare community. The best way to start participating is simple: join the monthly TEFCA community calls, stay informed, and become part of the conversation.
TEFCA RCE Monthly Informational Calls
Third Tuesday of Each Month | 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
https://rce.sequoiaproject.org/events-webinars-and-sessions/
Dianne Koval, RHIA, CCEP, CHPS
Vice President, Operations
Centauri Health Solutions, Inc.