General Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Nationwide Health Information Network?  The Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) is the set of standards, services, and policies that enable the secure exchange of health information over the Internet.  It is not an actual physical network or a database of records.
• What is the Nationwide Health Information Network Exchange?  The Exchange is a group of federal agencies, state agencies, and local health information organizations that have piloted the Nationwide Health Information Network standards, services, and policies for health information exchange. These entities have signed a comprehensive trust agreement called the Data Use and Reciprocal Support Agreement (DURSA) that provides the “rules of the road” for participation in the Exchange.
• What is CONNECT?  CONNECT is an open source software gateway that supports health information exchange – both locally and at the national level. CONNECT uses Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) standards and governance to make sure that health information exchanges are compatible with other exchanges being set up throughout the country.  This software solution was initially developed by federal agencies to support their health-related missions, but it is now available free to all organizations and can be used to help set up health information exchanges and share data using nationally-recognized interoperability standards.
• How do I learn more about what’s required to join the Exchange?  For more information, visit HHS and click on the Resources tab.  A complete list of specifications, legal agreements and technical documents is available to the public at no charge.  Another valuable resource is NeHC University, a series of webinars hosted by NeHC about different topics related to the Nationwide Health Information Network and health information exchange.  Click on the NeHC University button from our homepage to learn more.
• What’s the difference between the Nationwide Health Information Network and the Direct Project?  The Nationwide Health Information Network is the set of standards, services, and policies that enable the secure exchange of health information over the Internet.  The Direct Project is an initiative, with a beginning and end, being managed by ONC in an open and transparent process.  The Direct Project specifies a simple, secure, scalable, standards-based transportation mechanism that enables participants to send encrypted health information directly to known, trusted recipients over the Internet. An example of this type of exchange is a primary care physician sending a referral and patient care summary to a specialist electronically.  Enabling this type of exchange will support stage 1 meaningful use incentive requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Exchange Onboarding

• General Information - high-level questions about the Nationwide Health Information Network and the Exchange.
• Application Process - questions relating to the Application process, an activity that takes place during the Qualification Stage of the Onboarding Process.
• Validation Process - questions relating to Stage 2 of the Onboarding Process.
• All About Certs - questions about the certification process.
• Activation Process - questions relating to Stage 3 of the Onboarding Process.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Standards & Interoperability Initiative

• General Questions - High-level questions you may have about the Standards & Interoperability Framework and specific S&I Framework initiatives.
• Technical Questions - Questions related to the technical aspects of the S&I Framework process, Standards & Interoperability Framework initiatives, and also how this process evolves upon HITSP and other SDO processes.
• Process Questions - Questions on the Standards & Interoperability Framework process, how it works, and questions on S&I Framework process and procedures.
• Logistical Questions - Questions on the Standards & Interoperability Framework , attending initiative meetings, calling into meetings, and any other questions related to logistics.
• Membership Questions - Questions on individual and organizational membership.