Enhancing Healthcare Data Sharing in California: Implementing the Statewide Data Exchange Framework for Improved Patient Outcomes
On July 27, 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 133, enacting Health and Safety Code Section 130290, which created a path towards building a statewide Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework (DxF). The pandemic highlighted that the absence of well-defined policies and mandates for sharing data among healthcare providers is a significant obstacle to addressing public health concerns. The lack of a structured approach to exchanging patient data between providers curtails their ability to track trends and provide comprehensive care that considers social determinants of health. The DxF is intended to create an equitable and affordable health information exchange so that patients, providers, and other healthcare entities can access the health information they need to provide safe and effective care – while keeping patients’ data private and secure. Further, the DxF eliminates the burdensome responsibility of patients to maintain, carry, and share their health records, creating seamless interactions with healthcare providers.
The legislation directed the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) to develop a Data Exchange Framework that would include a single Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) and common set of Policies and Procedures (P&P) for governing the exchange of electronic health information across the state. On July 5, 2022, CalHHS released the Data Exchange Framework Guiding Principles, Data Sharing Agreement, and initial set of Policies and Procedures. The Data Exchange Framework is a collection of organizations required to share health information using national standards and a common set of policies to improve the health outcomes of the individuals they serve. The Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) is an agreement between certain healthcare organizations and entities to share Health and Social Services Information (HSSI) safely and securely.
The deadline to sign the DSA was January 31, 2023, but the Data Signing Portal remains open and all are encouraged to sign as soon as possible. Signing the Data Exchange Framework Agreement is the first step in a yearlong process to fully implement the DxF by January 31, 2024.
In 2024, entities that have signed the DSA can comply with the P&P either by joining and utilizing an intermediary, such as a Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO), or by independently meeting the requirements of the P&P. To assist in meeting the DxF requirements, entities that sign the DSA may be eligible to receive grant funding to help them connect to a QHIO through an assisted QHIO Onboarding Grant or a Technical Assistance grant. The DxF grant programs are intended to help participants identify and implement solutions to meet the DxF requirements.
CPCA has been awarded a grant by CalHHS Center for Data Insights and Innovation to provide education and training on the Data Exchange Framework. To help clinics prepare and stay informed on DxF policies and procedures, CPCA hosted an Overview of the Data Exchange Initiative on April 19 and hosts regular Data Exchange Framework Virtual Office Hours. Additionally, CPCA is partnering with CalHHS to host a DxF Bootcamp. The DxF Bootcamp will enable participants to acquire a deeper understanding of the DxF and will guide them through the various considerations associated with implementing this comprehensive data exchange. The DxF Bootcamp is intended to establish a shared understanding of the Data Exchange Framework policy and will be a platform to discuss implementation and assist in becoming signatories.