eHealth Exchange, CRISP Shared Services Announce TEFCA QHIN Intentions

eHealth Exchange has announced its intention to apply as a Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) in the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA).

CRISP Shared Services, which provides health information exchange (HIE) infrastructure for five statewide HIEs, intends to be the first participant in eHealth Exchange’s anticipated QHIN.

“eHealth Exchange has long been a cornerstone of CRISP Shared Services’ ability to share data with organizations across the region, state, and country, including with the federal government,” Brandon Neiswender, acting chief executive officer for CRISP Shared Services, said in a press release.

“Given its long history advancing interoperability and advocating for patients, we know eHealth Exchange will be the right partner to help us navigate this next step in nationwide data sharing.”

When the application period opens this fall, eHealth Exchange will apply to be a QHIN. If ONC designates eHealth Exchange as QHIN, the network will support nationwide interoperability by connecting to other QHINs.

With 13 years of experience supporting interoperability across a network of diverse participants, officials noted that the eHealth Exchange is well suited for the QHIN role.

“The eHealth Exchange is thrilled that CRISP Shared Services is moving forward with TEFCA participation through our to-be-designated QHIN,” said Jay Nakashima, executive director of eHealth Exchange. “We are diligently preparing to be a QHIN on behalf of members such as CRISP Shared Services.”

“This will provide a seamless experience for the organizations coming forward with intentions to participate in this federally endorsed framework for patient data sharing,” Nakashima continued.