HEALTH IT: Get Up-To-Date On What A National 'Network Of Networks' Is Up To

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps readers understand an early national health information exchange initiative and the governance, security, and interoperability issues shaping it. It is useful for anyone tracking health IT infrastructure, HIE development, or ONC-led exchange initiatives.

Article Sections

1. Overview of the Nationwide Health Information Network

   Introduces the national health information network initiative and the purpose of the report. It frames the article as an update on how the project is taking shape.

2. What is it?

   Explains the general concept of the network and the broad categories of stakeholders expected to participate. The section describes the initiative at a conceptual level.

3. How would it work?

   Summarizes the shared architecture approach and the kinds of common requirements described in the report. It also notes the role of supporting service providers in the overall model.

4. Who are the key participants?

   Identifies the organizations involved in developing prototype architectures and describes the project structure used for the collaboration. The section focuses on the major participants and their areas of concern.

5. What the report says

   Reviews the broad functional areas the report says participating exchanges must address. The section covers security, identity, registry access, information transfer, and secondary use considerations at a high level.

6. Accomplishments

   Summarizes progress updates, including work on functional requirements, security models, standards needs, architecture, and business models. It also mentions prototype demonstrations and stakeholder forum activity.

7. Resource

   Provides a reference to the public source for additional information. This is a short resource note rather than substantive guidance.