Today, ONC is pleased to announce two demonstration sites selected for Sync for Genes Phase 4. Since its launch in 2017, the ONC Sync for Genes project has advanced the standardized sharing of genomic information between laboratories, providers, patients, and researchers. Sync for Genes uses the Health Level 7 (HL7®) International FHIR® standard to enable the electronic sharing of genomic data.  

The use of genetic testing is becoming increasingly routine in patient care. For example, tests are available to check newborns for genetic disorders, screen would-be parents for carrier status, inform cancer care, and evaluate potential pharmacogenetic associations. However, the laboratories that perform these tests face many challenges that keep them from being able to return clinical genomic results in a standardized way and fully leverage a patient’s electronic health record. This also affects healthcare professionals’ ability to deliver precision medicine and conduct precision medicine research.

On the heels of the new USCDI ONDEC Submission System launched in July, ONC is giving you even more opportunities to provide feedback and input into standards and interoperability efforts this summer!

The wait is finally over! The ONC Cures Act Final Rule went into effect on June 30, 2020, and since its release one of the most common questions ONC has received is when and how can we submit proposals for new data elements in USCDI? The answer is, now!