VA FHIR Transition Working Group (FTWG)

The Veterans Affairs (VA) FHIR Transition Working Group (FTWG) is established by the VA, OI&T, Enterprise Program Management Office (EPMO), Intake & Analysis of Alternatives Team to serve as the principal coordination body for the VA’s transition to the FHIR Standard.  The FTWG is a key vehicle for collaborative participation across the VA.  Its membership includes full “participation by” and “coordination between” VA’s program, business and technology stakeholders.  

The responsibilities of the VA FTWG are as follows:

1.	Ensure the FHIR Standard properly aligns with VA Enterprise Business and Technical Requirements, Goals, and Objectives, which is necessary to justify its use within the VA Information Environment.
  
2.	Ensure the FHIR Standard aligns with established Federal & VA Policies/Directives and Mandates.

3.	Identify, approve and oversee all prototype efforts required to analyze the FHIR Standard’s Suitability for the VA Information Environment.

4.	Ensure that all analysis results and decisions made regarding the use of the FHIR Standard within the VA Information Environment are communicated across the VA Enterprise, and all concerns, issues and risks are collected and addressed/adjudicated.

5.	Establish “One Voice” on VA’s use of the FHIR Standard for Bi-directional Communications with official HL7 FHIR Working Groups and with VA’s Partners, such as DoD and third party healthcare providers.

6.	Oversee the development of all required VA mandates, policies/directives regarding the Transition to the FHIR Standard.

7.	Oversee the VA Enterprise planning and management of the FHIR Transition.

8.	Oversee the proper hand-off of the standard’s management in the field to the appropriate VA organizations for sustainment.