Yesterday, we concluded the 30-day objection period for the new Delegation of Authority policy. Thank you for your patience and diligence during the Change Management Process.
The policy is effective beginning today; see section 3.7 of the Carequality Framework Policies. However, some portions of the policy include separate, longer timelines for implementation.
This new Delegation of Authority policy, replacing the previous On-Behalf-Of policy, represents our progress to appropriately align Carequality and TEFCA, consistent with the priorities established by the Steering Committee earlier this year.
The Advisory Council Policy Workgroup played a key role in developing the Delegation of Authority policy. Now, the Workgroup is discussing the definition of treatment within the Carequality Interoperability Framework to consider appropriate alignment with TEFCA. We will share draft policies as they become available.
While key policies and organizational strategies are in development, the Steering Committee decided that it would be most fair to prospective Implementers to pause signing new Carequality Connection Agreements rather than have misaligned expectations. As of today, Carequality staff are not countersigning Carequality Connected Agreements. The Steering Committee and Board of Directors will evaluate when to resume accepting new applications.
Note, this operational pause does not impact existing Implementers or their ability to onboard new Connections. This also does not impact Implementers that have already received a countersigned Agreement, and are currently onboarding.