The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has provided funding for a number of health IT programs, including the development of the Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN)—a set of standards, services, and policies that enable the secure exchange of health information over the Internet. The NwHIN is NOT a physical network that runs on servers at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, nor is it a large network that stores patient records.

These standards, services, and policies will help move health care from a system where patient information is stored in paper medical records and carried from one doctor’s office to the next to a process where information is stored and shared securely and electronically. Health information will follow the patient and be available for clinical decision making as well as for uses beyond direct patient care, such as measuring quality of care.

Through the Standards & Interoperability (S&I) Framework, ONC is convening the health IT community to prioritize, develop and harmonize the standards and specifications that enable interoperable health information exchange across the nation.

Click here  to review the NwHIN Portfolio.