To: Board of Supervisors
From: DHHS: Behavioral Health
Agenda Section: Consent
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Single Data Sharing Agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency Regarding Implementation of the California Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Approve, and authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute, the attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency regarding implementation of the California Health and Health and Human Services Data Exchange Framework as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 130290;
2. Authorize the Department of Health and Human Services - Behavioral Health Director, or a designee thereof, to execute any and all subsequent amendments to the attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency, after review and approval by County Counsel, Risk Management and the County Administrative Office; and
3. Direct the Clerk of the Board to provide the Department of Health and Human Services - Contract Unit with one (1) certified copy of the Board Order pertaining to this item.
Body
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Behavioral Health Funds (1170) (1180)
DISCUSSION:
On July 27, 2021, the Governor signed into law, California Assembly Bill 133 which aims to transform healthcare for Californians by expanding Medi-Cal eligibility, investing in behavioral health initiatives and requiring providers and health plans to share data with each other by 2024. Section 130290 of the California Health and Safety Code established the creation of the California Health and Human Services (“CalHHS”) Data Exchange Framework.
While parts of California’s health care system rely on coordinated, interoperable electronic systems, other parts rely on decentralized, manual and siloed systems of clinical and administrative data exchange that is voluntary in many situations. This voluntary patchwork imposes burdens on providers and patients, limits the health care ecosystem from making material advances in equity and quality, and functionally inhibits patient access to personalized, longitudinal health records. Further, a lack of clear policies and requirements to share data between payers, providers, hospitals and public health systems is a significant hindrance.
The CalHHS Data Exchange Framework Data Exchange Framework is not a new technology or centralized data repository; instead, it is an agreement across health and human services systems and providers to share information safely. That means every health care provider can access the information they need to treat individuals quickly and safely; health care, behavioral health and social services agencies can connect to each other to deliver what Californians need to be healthy; and our public health system can better assess how to address the needs of all communities.
The attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency is intended to facilitate the exchange of health information among health care entities, government agencies and social service programs statewide through implementation of the CalHHS Data Exchange Framework. It should be noted that the attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency comes to the Board of Supervisors after the start date of January 1, 2023, due to inadvertent delays that occurred during the contract development process.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no revenue or expenditure appropriation impacts directly associated with the implementation of the CalHHS Data Exchange Framework. The attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency will allow for the flow of information necessary for reimbursement for the provision of client services. As a result, approval of the attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency will not impact the Humboldt County General Fund.
STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK:
The recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Framework by protecting vulnerable populations, creating opportunities for improved safety and health and providing community-appropriate levels of service.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
None
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to approve the attached single data sharing agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency regarding implementation of the CalHHS Data Exchange Framework. However, this alternative is not recommended as it would not allow for compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 130290. .
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Single Data Sharing Agreement with the California Health and Human Services Agency Regarding Implementation of the California Health and Human Services Data Exchange Frameworkend
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Board Order No.: None
Meeting of: None
File No.: None