EHNAC announces second stage of public review and comment for its HIE Accreditation Program

The Electronic Healthcare Network Accreditation Commission (EHNAC), a non-profit standards development organization and accrediting body, today announced the second stage of public review and comment for its Health Information Exchange (HIE) Accreditation Program. Compared to the first phase of the program's public review in February, which focused on privacy and security, technical performance, business practices and organizational resources, this second phase will explicitly address HIE-specific policies as developed by the HIE Advisory Board.

“The proposed HIE policies identify a standard for privacy and security as it relates to consent, authorization, authentication, access and audit procedures, and we welcome a broad industry participation in the review process.”

After the public review period, which lasts from June 10, 2010 to August 13, 2010, the Criteria Committee and HIE Advisory Board will incorporate public comments and revisions for commission review and approval. Final HIE Accreditation Program criteria is scheduled to be available for release to the public on September 23, 2010. Those interested in participating in this phase of the public review may visit the criteria page on the EHNAC Web site.

"As the industry moves toward health information technology adoption and exchanges more and more patient information electronically, EHNAC is developing the critical policies, procedures and safeguards now, to ensure that the highest levels of protection are in place for years to come," said Lee Barrett, executive director of EHNAC. "The proposed HIE policies identify a standard for privacy and security as it relates to consent, authorization, authentication, access and audit procedures, and we welcome a broad industry participation in the review process."

Several states in the process of implementing an HIE are working with EHNAC to adopt HIE accreditation program criteria as a foundation for similar accreditation programs. EHNAC continues to seek additional beta candidates for its HIE accreditation program and encourages interested parties to monitor the development progress of this program and other initiatives on the EHNAC Web site.