HIEs Growing Nationwide
A new report issued by the State-Level HIE Consensus Project notes that almost seventy-five percent of states across the U.S. are developing some iteration of a health information exchange (HIE). The report, separated into two sections, further describes factors related to the sustainability of state-level HIEs (pdf), as well as governance for such. This work was prepared for the Department of Health and Human Services by the Foundation of Research and Education of American Health Information Management Association.
Another issue discussed in the report considers the issues faced by HIEs with respect to the coordination of implementation strategies. Within that are policies and procedures that relate to the control, use, and access of health related information. HIEs at the state level play a critical role with respect to network sustainability.
The ongoing development of HIEs suggests a growing body of persons and partnerships with experience creating and developing HIEs. Research evaluated for the report suggests that growth of HIEs is important for the development of a national HIE. Projects at the state level will continue to foster the growth of such, in addition to serving as a platform for the development of a national infrastructure that meets the needs of a variety of different stakeholders.
Most commonly, states are responsible for governance of the HIEs. This role is borne out of the natural separation from corporate interests and the ability to balance competing agendas from an array of stakeholders. Another key responsibility is ensuring the privacy of all data.
They may additionally oversee technical operations in support of sharing data across the state, such as minimizing the reduction of costs associated with technology tools. Some of the HIEs are already at the stage that they are beginning to use the systems to share information.
Another key responsibility of HIEs is cooperation with other HIEs, from various states along with any national effort. These collaborations are critical in order to sustain efforts on both state and national fronts. The Committee prepared a series of roles for state HIEs as they participate in national efforts to share data.
May 6, 2008 Related topics: Privacy, Trends, Partnerships & Consortia