CPCA Advances Data Exchange Framework Preparedness in California's Community Health Centers   

The California Primary Care Association’s (CPCA) commitment to improving health outcomes in the state’s most underserved areas is the key reason we support statewide, real-time data exchange between health and social service providers. CPCA continues to participate in state Data Exchange Framework (DxF) meetings to stay informed of the latest developments and updates. Additionally, CPCA has provided several education and outreach opportunities to community health centers (CHCs) in preparation for the DxF go-live date of January 31, 2024.  

CPCA hosted several webinars to increase readiness in those health centers that have signed the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) or are in process of doing so. California health centers participated in an educational webinar that provided insights on optimizing workflows for framework integration. CPCA continues to host office hours to encourage CHCs to participate and to allow them an opportunity to receive immediate answers to their questions as they prepare to go live.

Additionally, CPCA remains in communication with the Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) to discuss DxF Policies and Procedures (P&Ps). Currently, twelve P&Ps are available on the DxF website, along with a DxF glossary of defined terms. CPCA continues to review these P&Ps and update member resources to reflect any changes. CPCA also continues to monitor P&Ps that are currently being developed or amended and continues to provide feedback to CDII during subcommittee meetings where such changes are discussed. 

While CPCA continues to prepare health centers for readiness of data sharing, we also encourage health centers that have not yet become signatories to get on board. CDII is continuing to allow health and human service organizations to sign the DSA.  CPCA members have shown their commitment to data sharing and the DxF; 59% of our membership, or a total of 101 member health centers have signed on to participate in the DxF.

In response to the need to support the implementation of data sharing at health centers, the DxF grant program has garnered significant interest among CPCA members. This grant will help DSA signatories subsidize investments made to meet the DSA requirements. As of August 2023, CDII had awarded 25 organizations with funding from the DxF grant program. Thirteen of those organizations are CPCA members. In September of 2023, CDII accepted round two applications for the grant opportunity. 102 health centers, including 17 CPCA members, were awarded this grant. The DSA Signatory Grant round three applications opened on October 16, 2023 and will close on December 15, 2023. Additionally, CDII has designated nine Qualified Health Information Organizations. CPCA continues to encourage health centers that signed the DxF Data Sharing Agreement to apply for a Technical Assistance grant or a QHIO Onboarding grant.