HHS Highlights Interoperability Push, Information Blocking Enforcement at HIMSS26

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is advancing an API-based framework for health data exchange through a new initiative called the CMS Aligned Network, designed to accelerate the sharing of patient medical records across healthcare organizations.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined progress on federal interoperability initiatives and stronger enforcement of information blocking rules during discussions at the HIMSS Global Health Conference and Exhibition 2026.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is advancing an API-based framework for health data exchange through a new initiative called the CMS Aligned Network, designed to accelerate the sharing of patient medical records across healthcare organizations.

The initiative forms part of a broader federal effort launched in July to modernize Medicare and expand digital health capabilities, including conversational artificial intelligence, digital identity verification, and improved patient access to health data.

According to Amy Gleason, acting administrator of the U.S. DOGE Service and strategic advisor to CMS, more than 700 healthcare organizations have joined the voluntary Health Tech Ecosystem pledge since July. The pledge aims to produce measurable interoperability improvements, with participating organizations expected to demonstrate initial outcomes by March 31, followed by more advanced capabilities by July 4.

CMS is coordinating the effort through multiple work groups involving government and private sector participants collaborating on interoperability solutions.

Officials emphasized that the CMS Aligned Network is intended to complement—not replace—the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), the federal initiative designed to facilitate nationwide health data exchange.

To support patient-facing digital tools, CMS recently launched a Medicare App Library, a centralized directory of vetted digital health applications integrated with the CMS Aligned Network. Apps listed in the library must sign the interoperability pledge, implement identity verification services such as ID.me or CLEAR, and undergo evaluations by organizations, including the Digital Medicine Society or the CARIN Alliance before CMS review.

CMS also introduced enhanced login options on Medicare.gov using digital identity credentials, allowing beneficiaries to access health information using biometric authentication. Early adoption data shows that 25% of users selected the new credential options within the first few days, while 60% of newly created accounts used modern identity verification tools.

Alongside these initiatives, federal regulators are continuing work on health IT policy updates. The HHS finalized the HTI-4 rule last year to support electronic prior authorization and real-time prescription benefit checks. A proposed rule, HTI-5, seeks to reduce certification requirements for electronic health records by eliminating 34 of the current 60 requirements, with the goal of lowering regulatory barriers and enabling innovation.

The policy changes are also intended to support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence through standardized FHIR APIs.

At the same time, HHS is increasing enforcement of information blocking rules. Since the launch of the federal complaint portal, more than 1,500 complaints alleging information blocking have been filed.

Health IT developers found in violation may face civil monetary penalties of up to $1 million per violation, while healthcare providers could risk restrictions on Medicare payments if compliance requirements are not met.

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