Which statement best describes NHIN status in the material?

• A. It is in early development
• B. It is in beta testing
• C. It is authorized to begin planning in 2011
• D. It is fully operational

Answer: (C)

NHIN status in this material reflects a formal milestone where the program has received approval to move from concept toward concrete planning. Being authorized to begin planning in 2011 means the focus shifts to defining how the program will operate: setting governance and privacy/safety rules, agreeing on interoperability standards, outlining the architecture, organizing funding and resources, and creating the initial project plan. This is an early but concrete step, distinct from actual development or beta testing, and far before being fully operational with live nationwide exchanges. The material’s labeling indicates this planning authorization as the appropriate description for that point in time, rather than ongoing development, testing, or full deployment.