Talk:RHIO Definition

Regional health information networks and organizations (RHINs and RHIOs) represent connecting communities striving to adopt and implement standards-based solutions that eventually will link into the envisioned National Health Information Network (NHIN). As these collaboratives and networks of stakeholders mature, they often find the need for a formal independent organizational and governance structure with systems to ensure accountability and sustainability for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Models for these connected communities include:

 Federation – multiple independent / strong enterprises in same region  Co-op – multiple enterprises agree to share resources and create central utility  Hybrid – region containing both Federation and Co-op organizations