On February 13, 2023, HHS publicly announced and streamed a recognition event for the first of several organizations to join as prospective QHINs, initiating implementation of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (“TEFCA”) required by the 21st Century Cures Act. TEFCA promotes interoperability throughout the US health system by creating a secure network for providers, payors, patients and other healthcare stakeholders for sharing electronic health information. Although onboarding may take up to twelve months, this announcement is a crucial first step in improving health care accessibility. The first six QHIN applicants include CommonWell Health Alliance, eHealth Exchange, Epic TEFCA Interoperability Services, Health Gorilla, Kno2, and KONZA.