HHS and ASTP Finalize Simplified HTI-2 Rule Focused on TEFCA for Health Data Interoperability

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Agency for State Performance (ASTP) have finalized a more streamlined version of the HTI-2 rule, focusing primarily on the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) to enhance health data interoperability[1][2]. By narrowing its scope, the final rule reduces its initial length from over a thousand pages to 156 pages, concentrating on establishing minimum qualifications for health information networks seeking to be designated as Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs). Moreover, it introduces the TEFCA Manner Exception, which allows certain organizations to avoid the information blocker label if they meet specific conditions[1][2]. Components not included in this rule are still under review and may surface in future rule-making, acknowledging the extensive public feedback and the need to refine further advancements in health data exchange and public health agency interfaces[1][2].