Federal Interoperability

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with its federal partners works to improve timely and accurate data exchange, partner with industry to enhance digital capabilities, advance adoption of Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®), support enterprise transformation efforts that increase the Agency’s technological capabilities, and promote interoperability.

Key Federal Government Interoperability Milestones

2024

CMS publishes Interoperability and Prior Authorization final rule
The Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP)/Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) releases the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA^TM) version 1.0

2023

ONC publishes Health Data, Technology and Interoperability: Certification Program Updates, Algorithm Transparency, and Information Sharing (HT-1) final rule
First set of designated Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) joins the TEFCA Network

2022

The 21st Century Cures Act final rule (85 FR 25642) policies become effective
ONC releases a Request For Information (RFI) on electronic prior authorization in ONC certification
CMS releases Advancing Interoperability and Improving Prior Authorization Processes proposed rule
CMS releases RFI on establishing National Directory of Healthcare Providers & Services
ONC releases TEFCA version 1.0

2021

CMS Interoperability and Patient Access final rule (CMS-9115-F) policies become effective
CMS heeds stakeholder feedback and delays enforcement of Payer-to-Payer data exchange requirements

2020

CMS publishes Interoperability and Patient Access final rule
ONC publishes 21st Century Cures Act final rule (85 FR 25642)
CMS publishes Reducing Provider and Patient Burden by Improving Prior Authorization Processes proposed rule (withdrawn)
CMS commits to transitioning to digital quality measures (dQMs)

2019

Meaningful Use becomes Promoting Interoperability Programs

2018

CMS launches Blue Button 2.0

2009

Congress passes the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act; establishes the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program (‘Meaningful Use’)