DirectTrust and Health Data Standards Org EHNAC Announce Completion of Merger

DirectTrust and health data standards organization Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC) have announced the completion of their previously announced merger, effective January 4, 2023.

DirectTrust is a non-profit healthcare industry alliance created to support secure electronic exchanges of protected health information. EHNAC is a non-profit standards development organization and accrediting body for organizations that electronically exchange health data.

“We’re excited to officially welcome EHNAC’s team of experts and assessors to the DirectTrust family,” stated Scott Stuewe, DirectTrust president and CEO, in a press release. “The completion of this merger significantly strengthens our accreditation capabilities, in particular for our members who will experience an improved and streamlined accreditation process.”

“However, the impact of this merger will reverberate well beyond our members,” Stuewe added. “This move further supports trust and security in nationwide trust frameworks and networks throughout the healthcare ecosystem as we strive to become the nation’s premier healthcare-focused accreditation, standards development, and technical trust partner.”

Debra Hopkinson, EHNAC COO, and Lee Barrett, EHNAC executive director and CEO, will continue to work for and consult with DirectTrust as an executive advisor and commission executive director, respectively.

EHNAC staff members and assessors will also join DirectTrust. Additionally, the EHNAC Commission will remain intact to oversee accreditation-specific matters. The DirectTrust Board of Directors will continue as is.

“Now officially part of DirectTrust, we look forward to strengthening our longstanding commitment to helping maintain patient and provider confidence in data-sharing networks and reducing cyber exposure throughout the industry,” said Barrett.

“While TEFCA continues its presence as a driving force towards interoperability, accreditation and certification will continue to play a critical role to promote adherence to standards and best practices while protecting patient data and assuring stakeholder trust,” he continued. “We look forward to providing further opportunity for members and accredited organizations to comply with the ever-evolving legislative and regulatory revisions impacting the way health information is shared.”