States Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) can play a vital role in integrating BH and physical care by facilitating the exchange of patient information across different healthcare settings. In collaboration with ASPE, RTI investigated six states that have implemented a range of initiatives to support the integration of BH data systems into state HIEs. Each state adopts its own unique strategies, policies, and funding mechanisms to expand HIE among BH providers, reflecting the diverse needs and resources of different regions. These individualized approaches highlight the complexity of advancing care integration, as states tailor their efforts to fit local contexts and priorities.
The study identifies several areas of opportunity can be pursued to address adoption of EHRs in the BH setting such as adoption of legislative frameworks that address data sharing barriers, investment in improving interoperability technologies and standards, providing targeted incentives and technical support to behavioral health providers and enhanced privacy and consent mechanisms that allow patients to easily control their data. Expansion of public health initiatives leveraging HIE capabilities can support more comprehensive efforts, such as real-time disease surveillance, population health management, and emergency preparedness, fostering collaborations with public health agencies to maximize the impact of HIE data.
This research was conducted under contract between HHS/ASPE’s Office of Behavioral Health, Disability, and Aging Policy (BHDAP) and Research Triangle Institute. Additional research in this area is available at the ASPE Behavioral Health page and the ASPE Long-Term Services & Supports/Long-Term Care page.
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