TEFCA

Definition of TEFCA

TEFCA stands for the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. It is a U.S. government initiative led by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC). Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement establishes a standardized set of rules and technical requirements that allow different health information networks to exchange data securely. In other words, TEFCA is designed to build a “network of networks” across the country.

Interoperability">Why TEFCA matters for healthcare Interoperability

Healthcare providers often struggle with fragmented Data Exchange. One hospital system may connect to its own local network but fail to share records with an outside clinic. TEFCA solves this challenge by creating national standards. Therefore, it helps patients, providers, and payers access the right information at the right time. In addition, Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement reduces the burden on individual organizations by defining a single framework everyone can follow.

With Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement, certified Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) act as trusted intermediaries. They follow the same technical and legal rules to connect participants. As a result, organizations gain consistent and predictable access to data, regardless of which system they use locally.

How TEFCA affects healthcare organizations

For healthcare organizations, TEFCA means new opportunities and responsibilities. On one hand, it allows broader Data Sharing across states and networks. On the other hand, it requires compliance with clear standards for security, privacy, and Interoperability. Providers must evaluate their current systems and ensure they can connect through a TEFCA-enabled network. For example, a laboratory that participates gains faster access to external patient histories, which improves accuracy and reduces duplicate testing.

Furthermore, Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement supports patient empowerment. Individuals will be able to request their own Health Data through applications connected to QHINs. This shift increases transparency and strengthens trust between patients and healthcare organizations. Therefore, adopting Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement benefits both compliance and patient satisfaction.

Interoperability-services">Connection to Interoperability services

Healthcare Integrations helps providers prepare for TEFCA by modernizing interfaces and building secure connections that align with national standards. Our team ensures that organizations can integrate HL7 v2, FHIR, and API workflows into TEFCA-enabled networks. Learn more about our integration services and explore how we support compliance with Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement while improving Interoperability.