The Department and Human Services (HHS) is supporting the Trusted Exchange
Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) to release an extended network-to-network
release of health information worldwide. According to the HHS Secretary “the seamless
interoperable exchange of health information is a key piece of building a health system that
empowers patients and providers and delivers better care at a lower cost” (HHS. Gov., 2019).
Inoperability is the ability of health information system to work together within and
across organizational boundaries to improve the health and healthcare for individuals and
communities by sharing data between all types of Health IT. In order to achieve inoperability,
standards for data transport content exchange, and vocabulary management are needed (Nelson
& Staggers, 2018, p. 458). In the effort of meeting the needs of the healthcare industry, the Office
of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has focused on
accomplishing the goals of providing a single nationwide connectivity, securing the transfer of
electronic health information, and support of innovative network correspondence (HHS. Gov.,
2019). Health information technology promises several potential benefits for individuals,
healthcare providers, and the nations healthcare system. It can advance clinical care improve
population health and reduce healthcare costs (Health IT. Gov., 2018).
From a Christian worldview, the government is responsible to protect us and set
boundaries in place in order to protect. As from the history of the Bible, the church is responsible
to help the sick and needy. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and
let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14, KJV).
References
Health IT. Gov., (2018). Retrieved from https://www.healthit.gov.
