The Sequoia Project Releases TEFCA Draft SOP for IAS Exchange Purpose

The Sequoia Project, selected by the ONC as the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) to support the implementation of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), has released draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Individual Access Services (IAS) Exchange Purpose and foreign ownership.

The draft Individual Access Services (IAS) Exchange Purpose Implementation SOP describes specific obligations that IAS Providers are required to follow for individual identity verification. It also outlines when a QHIN, Participant, or Subparticipant is required to respond to an IAS request. ​​​​​​

The draft Means to Demonstrate US Ownership and Control of a QHIN SOP sets forth how an entity seeking to be a QHIN shall demonstrate that it satisfies the requirements of Section 4.1(i) of the Common Agreement. It also identifies the conditions under which a QHIN may permissibly have limited ownership by a Non-US Individual(s) or Non-US Entity(ies).

Along with the draft SOP is a draft questionnaire that The Sequoia Project will incorporate into the application for prospective QHINs to complete.

The Sequoia Project is seeking general public feedback on the draft IAS Exchange Purpose Implementation SOP and responses to specific questions posed within the SOP. The TEFCA RCE is also seeking broad input from the public on the draft Means to Demonstrate US Ownership and Control of a QHIN SOP and accompanying questionnaire.

Stakeholders can provide feedback on the drafts through July 29, 2022.

Earlier this year, The Sequoia Project released additional information regarding the requirements for becoming a Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) and requested stakeholder feedback on these items before releasing the final documents.

“Throughout the TEFCA development process, we’ve sought to instill the principles of transparency and community engagement, which are core to The Sequoia Project’s values,” Mariann Yeager, chief executive officer of The Sequoia Project, said in a press release at the time of the announcement.

“The feedback we receive through our events, website, and email has been invaluable as we operationalize TEFCA and finalize implementation resources,” she added.