HHS Finalizes HTI-2 Rule Advancing Interoperability through TEFCA
On December 11, 2024, the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) at the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) released the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (HTI-2) Final Rule. This rule aims to advance interoperability and enhance the access, exchange, and use of electronic health information through the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement TM (TEFCA TM).
The rule finalizes provisions under 45 CFR Part 172 to improve transparency within TEFCA and amends information blocking regulations by adopting definitions related to the TEFCA Manner Exception, which clarifies conditions under which actors may meet their information-sharing obligations without violating the information blocking provisions of the 21st Century Cures Act. No changes are made to the TEFCA Manner Exception itself, and TEFCA-related definitions are finalized as proposed. The final rule is effective January 15, 2025.
