ONC Setting Stage for NHIN Governance Guidance
Last year, ONC announced that it would not be moving forward on establishing governance regulations for the Nationwide Health Information Network (now called the “eHealth Exchange”) as a result of the comments and feedback it received. Instead, it proposed to move forward with developing best practices guidance and support activities for existing governance initiatives and goals in nationwide health information exchange (HIE).
This year, ONC is kicking off several activities to support HIE governance. First, a federal funding opportunity is available for existing governance entities to further develop and adopt policies, interoperability requirements, and business practice criteria relating to HIE. Applications may be submitted until February 4 on Grants.gov.
Secondly, Dr. Mostashari and ONC have scheduled an open Town Hall listening session for this coming Thursday, January 17, as well as February 14 in order for stakeholders to express their priorities, concerns or issues. Based on stakeholder input, the HIT Policy Committee and HIT Standards Committee are expected to hold a public hearing then on January 29 to discuss current HIE policies, practices and impediments, as well as opportunities to strengthen and improve governance.
Finally, ONC will develop and publish a series of governance “guidelines” based on the feedback it has received for effective and trustworthy HIE. Stay tuned for more information on ONC’s new site for HIE Governance.
