HHS has released the draft Trusted Exchange Framework, issued by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), in attaining the level of interoperability required by the 21^st Century Cures Act of 2016.

The 21st Century Cures Act, which requires the ONC to develop a secure exchange framework, is being given a partner in the draft Trusted Exchange Framework. The draft focuses on the policies, procedures and standards to build an interoperative system where providers can access patient information regardless of which health information exchange or network they use.

“The draft Trusted Exchange Framework we issued today reflects the successes and challenges already existing in the exchange of health information and is designed to help guide the nation on its path to interoperability for all,” said Don Rucker, MD, national coordinator for health information technology. “The principles and direction we released today—combined with the support of providers, existing health information networks, health IT developers—and federal agencies, are designed to help improve patient care, care coordination and the overall health of the nation.”