Various statewide health information exchanges and regional health information organizations are making changes to their health information exchanges.

In New York, The New York eHealth Collaborative is seeking feedback from the public on proposed changes to the consent model framework governing the Statewide Health Information Network for New York, or SHIN-NY. The proposed modifications stem from a recent analysis of the SHIN-NY consent rules from the state's department of health, NYeC and other stakeholders.

For two proposals – regarding patient alerts and alternative consent forms – the department of health seeks to modify the Privacy and Security Policies and Procedures for Qualified Entities and their participants in New York State.

[Also: Health information exchange: E pluribus unum?]

There are two sets of suggested changes, officials say – one to be implemented in the short term, and another set for longer term consideration. Comments should be provided on the former by April 27, and on the latter by May 12. An overview of the proposed changes can be found on the NYeC website.
 
In Arizona, one of its community-based HIEs, Arizona Health-e Connection announced that it is rebranding as Health Current. Incorporated in 2007, the former AzHeC has helped drive EHR adoption to more than 85 percent statewide, officials say, and boasts about 300 participating organizations – a number that's grown more than 800 percent in the past two years.
 
The rebranding reflects that progress, said Health Current CEO Melissa Kotrys.

"We have seen incredible growth recently as healthcare providers are being challenged to produce better care and outcomes, with access to more complete patient information one of their most critical needs," she said. "Today Health Current is the health information exchange that helps our partners transform care by bringing together communities and information across Arizona."
 
Health Current has recently integrated physical and behavioral health information, and now also includes more than 80 participating behavioral health organizations. Beyond its existing participating organizations, such as hospitals, health plans, laboratories and community provider organizations, it's now looking toward new participants such as first responders, correctional health facilities, accountable care organizations and long-term care facilities.

In Connecticut, the Connecticut State Medical Society will launch a new physician-led health information exchange.

The new doctor-focused HIE will enable connected physicians and hospitals to share patient information and deploy analytics for improved clinical outcomes and patient safety, and reduced inefficiency.

Set to go-live in late summer, the new network – deployed with help from Topeka, Kansas-based KaMMCO Health Solutions, aims to give physicians the tools and data to better succeed with performance-based payment models.

"Connecticut physicians have been waiting for some time to have a functioning interoperable system," said CSMS President Jeffrey Gordon, MD. "We know that the electronic exchange of medical information improves health outcomes by giving physicians the right information at the right time. Care is better when we are connected."

Twitter: @MikeMiliardHITN
Email the writer: mike.miliard@himssmedia.com

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