We are excited to announce the 2026 standards approved by the National Coordinator through ONC’s Standards Version Advancement Process (SVAP). This year, we highlight two important groups of standards. First, we have used SVAP to make available a new version of the United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI v6) which will enable health IT systems to consistently access, exchange, and use an expanded set of health data across care settings. Second, this year’s SVAP cycle includes updated FHIR®-based Da Vinci standards for electronic prior authorization. Compared with Version 2.0.1 standards, Versions 2.2.1 (CRD and PAS) and 2.2.0 (DTR) provide a stronger foundation for more automated, reliable, and scalable exchange of coverage requirements, documentation, and authorization information.
Together, the 2026 SVAP-approved standards support a more interoperable, efficient, and responsive health care system. By lowering operational friction for providers and payers, the updated Da Vinci specifications improve access, support affordability, and make it easier for patients to receive the right care at the right time.
Beginning August 29, 2026, Health IT developers participating in the ONC Health IT Certification Program may voluntarily use these approved standards in their Certified Health IT Modules. SVAP provides a pathway for developers to adopt newer standards versions without waiting for regulatory updates to certification requirements.
Notable Updates and Feedback on the 2026 Approved SVAP Standards
United States Core Data for Interoperability Version 6
ONC received significant public support for including USCDI v6 as part of the 2026 Approved SVAP Standards. USCDI v6 represents the latest iteration of the standardized set of health data classes and elements that are essential for nationwide interoperability. More information on USCDI v6 can be found in ONC Standards Bulletin 2024-2.
Annual Updates
In addition to USCDI v6, public comments strongly advocated for the advancement of the associated HL7® FHIR US Core Implementation Guide STU 9.0.0 (US Core IG v9) and HL7 Consolidated CDA® (C-CDA), Release 5.0.0 – US Realm (C-CDA Release 5) standards to guide industry toward consistent implementation of USCDI v6. US Core IG v9 and C-CDA Release 5 set the foundation for other US Realm implementation guides and ensures that health IT developers can access, exchange, and use the expanded set of data in USCDI v6.
ONC also received significant support for including Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) annual updates to QRDA I and QRDA III. These guides serve as critical resources for healthcare providers and organizations participating in CMS quality reporting programs.
New Entrants to SVAP: Standards for Electronic Prior Authorization
New in the 2026 SVAP cycle are three standards related to certification criteria established in the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Electronic Prescribing, Real-Time Prescription Benefit and Electronic Prior Authorization (HTI-4) final rule. Specifically, the 2026 SVAP cycle includes:
- HL7 FHIR Da Vinci—Coverage Requirements Discovery (CRD) Implementation Guide, Version 2.2.1
- HL7 FHIR Da Vinci—Documentation Templates and Rules (DTR) Implementation Guide, Version 2.2.0
- HL7 FHIR Da Vinci—Prior Authorization Support (PAS) Implementation Guide, Version 2.2.1
By including these implementation specifications as part of the 2026 SVAP, health IT developers are able to use these versions to certify their products to the electronic prior authorization (ePA) certification criteria at 45 CFR 170.315(g)(31)-(33). Da Vinci IG Versions 2.2.1 and 2.2.0 enable better, more dependable, consistent, and durable automation for ePA, helping reduce administrative burden and avoid delays that can stand between patients and needed care. We anticipate that by incorporating these standards as part of SVAP, we will encourage the acceleration of scalable implementation, lower operational friction, and set a more reliable foundation for nationwide deployment of ePA.
Please make sure to review the 2026 SVAP Fact Sheet and the Certification Program’s SVAP webpage for more information about SVAP and how Certified Health IT developers can voluntarily update to these newer versions of adopted standards.
Approved Standards for 2026
SVAP-approved standards to remain available across cycles
Going forward, standards versions approved in previous SVAP cycles will remain available for use unless they are superseded by regulatory action or another applicable update. In the past, the Certification Program treated each annual SVAP cycle as time-limited, which constrained the availability of previously approved versions. Based on feedback and experience with several SVAP cycles, we believe supporting multiple versions of SVAP-approved standards will better serve industry and advance our shared goals, especially for standards that publish updates annually.
This approach gives Certified Health IT developers more flexibility when planning, developing, and maintaining Certified Health IT Modules. It also supports a smoother transition across standards versions by allowing developers to adopt newer SVAP-approved versions without immediately losing access to versions approved in prior cycles.
For example, a Certified Health IT developer with a Health IT Module certified to the standardized API for patient and population services criterion using HL7 FHIR US Core Implementation Guide STU 6.1.0 may use SVAP to support later approved versions, including US Core STU 7.0.0, US Core STU 8.0.0, and now US Core STU 9.0.0.
SVAP Advances Health IT Innovation
The SVAP process ensures that Certified Health IT developers can plan and innovate with greater confidence. This flexibility supports industry progress and allows for smoother transitions as standards evolve. By embracing this approach, we are fostering a more adaptable and responsive health IT environment, ultimately benefiting patients, providers, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
As standards continue to advance, we encourage Certified Health IT developers and stakeholders to stay informed about updates and leverage the expanded options available. Together, these efforts will help drive quality, interoperability, and meaningful improvements in healthcare technology.
