Carequality Opens Board Seat to Shape Health Data's Future

VIENNA, Va. – April 30, 2026 – Carequality, the national framework for trusted health data exchange, has announced an open call for applications to its board of directors, signaling a significant move to broaden participation in the governance of the nation's health information infrastructure. The organization is seeking a new member for a three-year term (2026-2029) in a process intentionally designed to attract a diverse pool of leaders from across the entire health IT ecosystem, not just its existing partners.

This decision comes at a pivotal moment for healthcare interoperability, as federal initiatives gain momentum and the demand for seamless, secure data sharing intensifies. By opening its boardroom doors to the wider community, Carequality is reinforcing its commitment to an inclusive, consensus-driven approach to solving some of healthcare's most complex data challenges. Applications will be accepted from April 30 through May 27, 2026.

A Commitment to Inclusive Governance

Carequality's announcement is more than a standard recruitment effort; it is a public statement on its governing philosophy. The organization was founded on principles of collaboration and transparency, aiming to build its framework "by and for the community it serves." This open call extends that principle to its highest level of leadership.

“What makes Carequality unique is that our framework is built by and for the community we serve. With 43 implementers and a growing network of stakeholders, our collaborative governance model has proven that consensus-driven leadership works,” said Lee Barrett, Carequality executive director, in a statement. “This open call reflects who we are--inclusive, transparent, and committed to ensuring that a variety of stakeholder perspectives guide our strategic direction. You don’t need to be a current Implementer or Connection to have a seat at this table.”

This approach stands in contrast to more insular governance models where leadership roles are often filled from within a select group of members. By explicitly inviting professionals who are not current Carequality Implementers or Connections, the organization seeks to infuse its strategy with fresh perspectives. This aligns with its multi-layered governance structure, which already includes a broad Advisory Council representing providers, vendors, government agencies, and patient safety organizations, all of whom provide input to a 18-member Steering Committee that oversees framework policies.

Navigating the Future of National Interoperability

The new board member will join Carequality during a period of significant transformation in U.S. healthcare. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting two major federal initiatives: the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) and the CMS Digital Health Ecosystem. The board's strategic guidance will be critical in navigating these complex landscapes.

Carequality is actively aligning its policies with TEFCA to ensure its vast network—which already facilitates the exchange of over 1.2 billion clinical documents monthly—can seamlessly integrate with the new national framework. This network connects more than 45 networks, 600,000 providers, 50,000 clinics, and 4,200 hospitals, making its strategic decisions profoundly impactful. The board provides oversight for these operational and policy shifts, ensuring a smooth transition for the entire community.

Reflecting the strategic challenges ahead, the board is seeking candidates with proven executive leadership and deep expertise in healthcare data exchange, architecture evaluation, interoperability, and cybersecurity principles. The role involves not just high-level guidance but also active participation on committees overseeing finance, nominations, and strategic planning.

The Power of an External Perspective

By inviting external voices, Carequality is positioning itself to better address the persistent challenges that have long hindered true interoperability. The U.S. health IT ecosystem remains fragmented, with patient data often trapped in siloed electronic health record (EHR) systems. Integrating these disparate systems is costly and complex, and ensuring the robust security of patient data adds another layer of difficulty.

An external board member, free from the institutional inertia that can affect any established network, may be uniquely positioned to challenge existing assumptions and champion innovative solutions. The 'vision for Carequality's priorities' that applicants are asked to provide will be a key indicator of their potential to drive change. Fresh insights are needed to tackle issues like the dominance of a few EHR vendors, the difficulty of integrating data into clinical workflows, and the challenge of managing unstructured data like physician notes and medical images.

Furthermore, an outside perspective can help the organization capitalize on emerging opportunities. Interoperability is the bedrock for advancing artificial intelligence in healthcare, enabling value-based care models, and improving operational efficiency. A leader with a broad view of the technology landscape can help ensure Carequality's framework evolves to support these next-generation use cases, ultimately improving patient outcomes and empowering individuals with greater access to their own health information.

The Path to a Seat at the Table

Carequality has streamlined the application process to encourage a high volume of qualified applicants. Interested professionals are asked to submit a resume or CV and a letter of motivation through the organization's website. The letter should address the candidate's interest in serving, relevant experiences, and their vision for the framework's future.

The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. ET on May 27, 2026. Following the application period, Carequality's existing board will review the slate of nominees, with an election scheduled for June. The newly elected board member will be publicly announced this summer.

Board members are expected to serve a critical function, providing oversight for the organization's strategic direction and business operations while advising the Steering Committee. A commitment to active participation is required, including attendance at a minimum of 80% of board calls. This open seat represents a rare opportunity for a dedicated leader to exert significant influence on the architecture of health data exchange for years to come, helping to build a more connected and effective healthcare system for all Americans.