New California Statewide Healthcare Data Exchange Framework

There is some major news in the world of California health information exchange initiatives.

Governor Newsom recently signed AB 133 into law which lays the groundwork for building a single data sharing agreement that governs the exchange of health information in California. A new Stakeholder Advisory Group will assist the California Health and Human Services (CHHS) develop an initial Framework by June 2022 with an initial deadline for full participation from health providers in the exchange of data in January 2024.

AB 133 provides CHHS with the authority to establish a data exchange framework with the goal of improving health information sharing across both the health and social service systems. These data-sharing initiatives aim to improve care delivery, protecting public health, and guiding policy, and promoting equity.

Secretary Ghaly commented on the significance of the framework announcement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear to Californians how important it is for health data to be quickly and seamlessly shared among health professionals and institutions. The exchange of health information will be even more critical as the state moves forward with efforts to provide ‘whole person care’ through CalAIM, major new homelessness initiatives, and other programs aimed at connecting health and social services — from Cradle-to-Career to the Master Plan for Aging.”

“To improve health outcomes for all Californians, all health care providers and government and social service providers need to be able to safely and securely share health information. That is the goal of the Data Exchange Framework, and we will need all of the expertise of our stakeholders from across the state’s health care and human services systems to build it.”

“I appreciate the members of the Stakeholder Advisory Group for their willingness to provide their assistance — and put California on a path to sharing data that will build a healthy California for all.”¹

There is an upcoming stakeholder advisory group meeting scheduled for August 31st, 2021 at 9:30 AM PST. You can find the full meeting agenda here, and to listen in, you can join the meeting directly via Zoom meeting link here.

Timeline:

Initial Data Exchange Framework

By July 1, 2022, the state will establish a single data sharing agreement and common set of policies and procedures that will govern and require the exchange of health information among health care entities and government agencies in California. This effort will be guided by a Stakeholder Advisory Group, which will provide information and advice to CHHS.

Public health/social services integration

By January 31, 2023, CHHS and the California State Association of Counties will encourage as many county health, public health, and social services providers to connect to the Data Exchange Framework—with all state and local public health agencies exchanging health information in real time with participating health care entities.

Data sharing agreement

By January 31, 2023, the Data Exchange Framework data sharing agreement will be executed by the following entities: General acute care hospitals, physician organizations and medical groups, skilled nursing facilities, health service plans and disability insurers, Medi-Cal managed care plans, clinical laboratories, and acute psychiatric hospitals.

Full implementation

By January 31, 2024, all participating entities will exchange health information or provide access to health information to and from every other entity in real time for treatment, payment, or health care operations.