Article 5 Functioning of the eHealth Network

The eHealth Network shall establish its own Rules of Procedure, by simple majority of its Members.

The eHealth Network shall adopt a multiannual work programme and an evaluation instrument on the implementation of such programme.

To accomplish its tasks, the eHealth Network may set up permanent subgroups in relation to specific tasks, in particular related to the eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure for Cross-Border eHealth Information Services or the other shared European eHealth Services developed in the framework of the eHealth Network.

The eHealth Network may also set up temporary sub-groups, including with experts to examine specific questions on the basis of terms of reference defined by the eHealth Network itself. Such sub-groups shall be disbanded as soon as their mandate is fulfilled.

When Members of the eHealth Network decide to advance their cooperation in some areas covered by the tasks of the eHealth Network, they should agree on and commit to the rules of the advanced cooperation.

In pursuing its objectives, the eHealth Network shall work in close cooperation with the Joint Actions supporting the activities of the eHealth Network where such joint actions exist, with stakeholders or other concerned bodies or supporting mechanisms and shall take into account the results achieved in the framework of those activities.

The eHealth Network shall elaborate, together with the Commission, the governance models of the eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure for Cross-Border eHealth Information Services and participate in that governance by:

1. (i)

   agreeing on the priorities of the eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure, and overseeing their operation;

2. (ii)

   drawing up guidelines and requirements for the operation, including the selection of the standards used for the eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure for Cross-Border eHealth Information Services;

3. (iii)

   agreeing whether the Members of the eHealth Network should be allowed to start and continue exchanging electronic health data through the eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure for Cross-Border eHealth Information Services via their National Contact Points for eHealth, based on their compliance with the requirements established by the eHealth Network, as evaluated in tests provided and audits carried out by the Commission;

4. (iv)

   endorsing the annual work plan for the eHealth Digital Service Infrastructure for Cross-Border eHealth Information Services.

The eHealth Network may elaborate, together with the Commission, the governance models of other shared European eHealth Services developed in the framework of the eHealth Network and participate in their governance. The Network may also set the priorities, together with the Commission, and draw up guidelines for the operation of such shared European eHealth Services.

The Rules of Procedure may envisage that countries, other than Member States, applying Directive 2011/24/EU, may participate in the meetings of the eHealth Network as observers.

Members of the eHealth Network and their representatives, as well as invited experts and observers, shall comply with the obligations of professional secrecy as laid down by Article 339 of the Treaty, as well as with the Commission’s rules on security regarding the protection of EU classified information, as laid down in Commission Decision (EU, Euratom) 2015/444^f1. Should they fail to respect these obligations, the Chair of the eHealth Network may take all appropriate measures as provided for in the Rules of Procedure.