AHA calls for focused approach to trusted exchange framework

Efforts to create a trusted exchange framework and common agreements for health information exchange should not disrupt working exchanges but focus on creating a more seamless network of networks, AHA advised the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology in comments submitted yesterday. “The provider community has a sense of urgency to accomplish this work, but also understands that starting from scratch would likely create even more delays than working to align existing efforts,” wrote Ashley Thompson, senior vice president of public policy analysis and development. “…Creating a seamless network of networks in health care will require considerable, focused attention to how information is exchanged among health care networks, and we urge ONC not to dilute those efforts by consideration of new requirements on the end users. We also recommend that the federal government separately continue to pursue alignment and simplification of the existing privacy and security requirements that apply to health care providers, including those that apply uniquely to federal health care providers.”