Data Strategy Briefing — August 26, 2024
ONC and the Sequoia Project published the TEFCA FHIR Roadmap, confirming that QHINs must launch FHIR-based exchange pilots in 2025, accelerating healthcare data teams' interoperability modernization plans.
Executive briefing: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) and the Recognized Coordinating Entity released the TEFCA FHIR Roadmap on 26 August 2024, detailing how Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) will roll out FHIR-based exchange alongside existing document-based workflows. The roadmap sets expectations for 2025 pilot transactions, conformance testing, and production go-lives supporting consumer access, population-level queries, and payer integration.
Key interoperability checkpoints
- Use case prioritisation. Identify TEFCA exchange scenarios (consumer access, public health, payer data requests) most critical for 2025 pilots and map required FHIR resources.
- Certification dependencies. Align TEFCA FHIR plans with HTI-1 certification timelines so API capabilities, security layers, and patient access features land before pilot deadlines.
- Policy harmonisation. Update data use agreements and consent frameworks to reflect TEFCA's trusted exchange framework and minimum necessary requirements.
Operational priorities
- Vendor engagement. Confirm EHR and HIE partners will support TEFCA FHIR transactions, including Bulk FHIR APIs and patient-authorised app connections.
- Testing infrastructure. Build or subscribe to sandbox environments that replicate QHIN conformance testing requirements and security assertions.
- Measurement plans. Define KPIs tracking query success rates, latency, and exception handling to demonstrate readiness during ONC evaluations.
Enablement moves
- Brief interoperability governance boards on roadmap milestones and resource needs for 2025 pilots.
- Coordinate with privacy officers to ensure TEFCA participant agreements align with state consent laws and 42 CFR Part 2 obligations.
Sources
Zeph Tech operationalises TEFCA FHIR upgrades with roadmap-aligned pilot plans, conformance testing support, and cross-jurisdiction consent governance.