Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement - Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) Cooperative Agreement

The purpose of this NOFO is to support efforts to advance the establishment of nationwide interoperability of Electronic Health Information (EHI) through a TEF and Common Agreement that (1) allows clinicians to access health information about their patients, regardless of where the patient received care; (2) empowers individuals to use their EHI to the fullest extent; (3) enables clinicians and communities to deliver smarter, safer, and more efficient care; and (4) promotes innovation at all levels. The TEF and the Common Agreement are two distinct components. ONC will maintain the TEF and will work with the RCE to develop, update, implement, and maintain the Common Agreement. ONC will have final approval of the Common Agreement and all subsequent updates. The TEF and the Common Agreement are further described below. The RCE will also work with ONC to identify and monitor QHINs, modify and update an accompanying QHIN Technical Framework, engage with public stakeholders through virtual public listening sessions, adjudicate noncompliance with the Common Agreement, and propose sustainability strategies for an RCE to continue to support trusted data exchange through QHIN connectivity at the expiration of the term of the Cooperative Agreement.