Minnesota e-Health Updates

Minnesota News

Minnesota e-Health Initiative Advisory Committee Reconvenes

After taking a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee is back with newly appointed committee members. The first meeting is scheduled for Friday. Nov. 22, from 1 – 3:00 p.m. The virtual meeting is open to the public. The meeting link is available at Minnesota e-Health Initiative Meetings and Events webpage.

Information on committee membership and its previous work is available at Minnesota e-Health Initiative Advisory Committee webpage.

Historically, the 25-member advisory committee is responsible for developing recommendations and advising the Commissioner of Health on policies and processes to advance the use of health information technology, data use, data exchange and related technologies. The Minnesota e-Health Initiative is a public-private collaborative that was authorized by the Minnesota Legislature in 2004. The scope of the Initiative includes providers, public health, consumers, and policy/research and the intersections of these domains across the state.

National News

2024 Draft Federal FHIR Action Plan Feedback Request

The Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) is seeking feedback on the recently published 2024 Draft Federal Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®) Action Plan. The plan was developed to help guide federal agency investment decisions in and adoption of the Health Level Seven® (HL7®) FHIR standard. Federal agencies and partners will be encouraged to use the draft plan to identify and address common needs, coordinate among fellow agencies and the broader community, and reuse and advance proven capabilities. Review the draft at About the Draft Federal FHIR® Action Plan | Interoperability Standards Platform (ISP). Comments are due by Monday, Nov. 25.

Request for Information: Development of Interoperability Standards for Human Service Programs

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), invites public comments to inform the use or adoption of interoperability standards for human services programs. ACF seeks public comment on the most effective approaches, technical standards, and technological tools that currently or could promote interoperability between health and human services programs. Additional information on the RFI is available at Federal Register - Request for Information: Administration for Children and Families Development of Interoperability Standards for Human Service Programs. Comments are due by Friday, Dec. 27.

Did You Know?

As we wrapped up the 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference we would like to extend a huge thank you to presenters, coordinators and everyone who attended. It was a great opportunity to connect with subject matter experts to learn about and discuss current industry topics. If you missed out, it’s not too late to catch up! All four of the sessions are available to view on-demand at 2024 HIMSS MN Chapter and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series - Stratis Health. This year, each session highlighted how artificial intelligence intersects with the following topics, health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience.

Minnesota News

Final session of virtual series on Thursday!

The 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference wraps up with the fourth and final session on Thursday, Oct. 10. This session will focus on artificial intelligence and the patient experience. It features keynotes Edward Marx, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Marx Advisory and Cris Ross, Chief Information Officer of Mayo Clinic.

The duo recently co-authored, “DIAGNOSED, An Insider’s Guide for Your Healthcare Journey.” During this session, they will share insights on the importance of enhancing health care for both patients and professionals, along with a concise, direct and hopeful call to action.

Register for the MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. Each session highlights one of the following topics, health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience, and explores how AI intersects with each. Sessions are being recorded and posted to the Stratis Health webpage. Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

RFI for Health Care Provider Directory Study

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking input on the impact, costs and considerations for a statewide shared health care provider directory (statewide shared provider directory) as part of a health care provider directory study. This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a legislative request to assess the feasibility and stakeholder commitment to develop, manage and maintain a statewide electronic directory of health care providers. This RFI is intended to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders regarding a statewide shared provider directory.

Who Should Respond

While responses to this RFI are welcome from any individual or organization, MDH strongly encourages responses from the following types of stakeholders:

• Health systems, health care providers and provider organizations of all specialties and sizes (including mental/behavioral health)
• Health plans, payers and purchasers
• Local and state government programs, departments and agencies
• Non-clinical community-based and social service organizations
• Consumers and patient advocacy groups
• Vendors

Respondents are encouraged to include multiple perspectives from their organization and stakeholder groups.

The RFI is posted on the Minnesota Provider Directory Study webpage with a separate link to the response survey tool. Responses must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Minnesota News

Virtual Series Continues on Thursday!

The 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference continues with the third session this Thursday, Sept. 26. This session will focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity and features keynotes Jerry Odegaard, Director of Threat Emulation Services, Cyber Advisors and Megan Roby, Senior Manager of Threat Emulation Services, Cyber Advisors.

There is still time to register for the MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. Each week highlights one of the following topics, health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience, and explores how AI intersects with each. Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

Visit the Stratis Health webpage for updates and presenter bios.

Health Care Provider Directory Study Request For Information

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking input on the impact, costs and considerations for a statewide shared health care provider directory (statewide shared provider directory) as part of a health care provider directory study. This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a legislative request to assess the feasibility and stakeholder commitment to develop, manage and maintain a statewide electronic directory of health care providers. This RFI is intended to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders regarding a statewide shared provider directory.

Who Should Respond

While responses to this RFI are welcome from any individual or organization, MDH strongly encourages responses from the following types of stakeholders:

• Health systems, health care providers and provider organizations of all specialties and sizes (including mental/behavioral health)
• Health plans, payers and purchasers
• Local and state government programs, departments and agencies
• Non-clinical community-based and social service organizations
• Consumers and patient advocacy groups
• Vendors

Respondents are encouraged to include multiple perspectives from their organization and stakeholder groups.

The RFI is posted on the Minnesota Provider Directory Study webpage with a separate link to the response survey tool. Responses must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Did You Know

Study Finds Telehealth Continues to Benefit Minnesotans

A new report released by MDH’s Health Economics Program (HEP) recommends supporting the broad availability and use of telehealth as a tool to deliver health care services. This final report to the Minnesota Legislature describes the impact of the 2021 Minnesota Telehealth Act (Laws of Minnesota 2021, chapter 7, article 6), which expanded access to telehealth in Minnesota and extended payment parity to include audio-only telehealth visits. It builds upon the Preliminary Report on telehealth expansion and payment parity (PDF) issued in June 2023.

The report found that telehealth has expanded access to health care without appearing to increase heath care spending or compromising quality of care or patient satisfaction. There was wide agreement among providers, patients, health plans, and public health professionals that telehealth expands access to care, makes getting care faster and easier, and reduces barriers for patients.

The final report is available on the Telehealth Publications page. Questions may be directed to health.telehealthstudy@state.mn.us.

Minnesota News

Request for Information: Health Care Provider Directory

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking input on the impact, costs and considerations for a statewide shared health care provider directory (statewide shared provider directory) as part of a health care provider directory study. This Request for Information (RFI) is part of a legislative request to assess the feasibility and stakeholder commitment to develop, manage and maintain a statewide electronic directory of health care providers. This RFI is intended to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders regarding a statewide shared provider directory.

Who Should Respond

While responses to this RFI are welcome from any individual or organization, MDH strongly encourages responses from the following types of stakeholders:

• Health systems, health care providers and provider organizations of all specialties and sizes (including mental/behavioral health)
• Health plans, payers and purchasers
• Local and state government programs, departments and agencies
• Non-clinical community-based and social service organizations
• Consumers and patient advocacy groups
• Vendors

Respondents are encouraged to include multiple perspectives from their organization and stakeholder groups.

The RFI is posted on the Minnesota Provider Directory Study webpage with a separate link to the response survey tool. Responses must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Virtual Series Continues!

The 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference continues with the second session this Thursday, Sept. 19 This session features keynote Brian Norris, MBA, RN, FHIMSS, Vice President & Managing Director of Strategic Consulting, MedeAnalytics.

Mr. Norris is a healthcare clinician, executive and innovator. He has experience in developing analytical and informatics teams, as well as designing and building machine learning and artificial intelligence systems and strategies. During this session, he will explain how artificial intelligence can be incorporated to help support workforce development along with the pitfalls to avoid as leaders work to determine how to best use this powerful tool.

There is still time to register for the MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. Each week highlights one of the following topics, health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience, and explores how AI intersects with each. Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

Visit the Stratis Health webpage for updates and presenter bios.

Minnesota News

Virtual Series Starts Thursday!

The 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference kicks off this Thursday, Sept. 12. The first session features keynote Maya Hightower, MD, MPH, MBA, CEO, Equality AI. Dr. Hightower is a leading voice on the intersection of health care, artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation and health equity. She is a champion for responsible AI, ensuring that the digital future of health care is equitable and just. During this session, she will explain how artificial intelligence can be incorporated to help support increased health equity as well as the pitfalls to avoid as leaders work to determine how to best use this powerful tool.

Attendees will hear from panelists Roli Dwivedi, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Clinical Officer, Community University Health Care Center, Vice Chair, Community Engagement, Department of Family Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, and Paige Nong, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Register now for the MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. Each week highlights one of the following topics, health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience, and explore how AI intersects with each. Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

Visit the webpage for updates and presenter bios.

Minnesota News

CyncHealth Issued Certificate of Authority to Operate as HIO

The Nebraska Health information Initiative, Inc. d/b/a CyncHealth has been issued a Certificate of Authority to operate as a Health Information Organization (HIO) in Minnesota. The Certificate of Authority issued to CyncHealth is valid for one-year from the effective date, July 12, 2024.

An HIO is an organization that oversees, governs and facilitates health information exchange among health care providers that are not related health care entities.

More information on CyncHealth and about Minnesota Certified HIOs.

Speaker Updates for 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series

The MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative conference planning committee is excited to announce speaker and responder updates for sessions 1 and 3. In session 1 we welcome Dr. Roli Dwivedi and Paige Nong as session responders. Session 3 will have co-speakers Jerry Odegaard and Megan Roby from White Oak Security discussing cybersecurity.

Local attendees have an opportunity to meet and connect with Cris Ross and Ed Marx, co-speakers for session 4. The duo will be at a release event for their book, “DIAGNOSED, An Insider’s Guide for Your Healthcare Journey,” where they will share insights on the importance of enhancing health care for both patients and professionals, along with a concise, direct and hopeful call to action. This free event is in the evening on Friday, Sept. 13. Register to attend this event. For more information, please contact Bert Hill at bert.hill@bahama-consulting.com.

Register now for the annual MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. This year’s sessions will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and health equity, workforce, cybersecurity and the patient experience. Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

Session 1 - AI and Health Equity
Thursday, September 12
Presenter: Maia Hightower, MD, MPH, MBA, CEO, Equality AI
Responders: Roli Dwivedi, MD, CEO, CCO, Community-University Health Care Center (CUHCC), Associate Professor & Mac Baird Vice Chair in Community Engagement and Advocacy, Department of Family Medicine & Community Health – University of Minnesota Medical School, President , Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP)
Paige Nong, PhD, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota School of Public Health

Session 2 - AI and Workforce
Thursday, September 19
Presenter: Brian Norris, MBA, RN, FHIMSS, Vice President & Managing Director, MedeAnalytics

Session 3 - AI and Cybersecurity
Thursday, September 26
Presenters: Jerry Odegaard, Director of Threat Emulation Services, White Oak Security
Megan Roby, Senior Manager of Threat Emulation Services, White Oak Security

Session 4 - AI and Patient Experience
Thursday, October 10
Presenters: Edward Marx, MS, CEO, Marx Advisory
Cris Ross, MBA, CIO, Mayo Clinic

Session Connector (all session) Susan Heichert, MA, BSN, President, Cedar Isles Organization
As Session Connector, Susan will weave together session themes and topics by asking pertinent questions, sharing her insights and perspectives, and engaging participants.

Visit the webpage for updates and presenter bios.

National News

HHS Progress on Department-wide Alignment of Health IT Investments

TThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health IT Alignment Policy is a two-year-old collaboration between Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ASTP) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR) that is focused on achieving department-wide alignment in health IT investments. A new proposed rule from ASFR, HHS Acquisition Regulation: Acquisition of Information Technology; Standards for Health Information Technology, was published and open for public comment.

The collaboration between ASTP and ASFR is to establish and oversee a consistent HHS-wide approach to ensure that health IT requirements in grants, cooperative agreements, contracts and policy and regulatory actions align with HHS-adopted data standards. The proposed rule amends and updates the HHS Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR) to implement requirements to procure health IT that meets standards and implementation specifications adopted by ASTP on behalf of HHS. The proposed rule sets out requirements for all HHS contracts that involve health IT activities to use HHS-adopted health IT standards to promote interoperability across the health system.

To view and comment on the proposed changes, please visit the Federal Register. Comments due by Oct. 8, 2024.

Did You Know?

New Data Available on How Physicians Experience Interoperability

A new measurement approach delivers insights into physicians’ interoperability experience. ASTP, the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the University of California, San Francisco have collaborated to develop survey questions designed to better understand family physicians’ experience using health information technology (health IT) in primary care.

As part of the cooperative agreement, the questions were included on a voluntary survey to physicians of all specialties nationwide. The study compares the results of various physician surveys on health IT and highlights the value, accuracy, and novelty of the data ABFM collected.

A important finding of the study was that ABFM respondents reported substantially higher time spent documenting in their EHRs outside of work hours than the National Electronic Health Records Survey (NEHRS) respondents. There were significant differences in the electronic health record (EHR) platform used by respondents and their satisfaction with these EHRs across the surveys. Results showed that physicians in private practice were less likely to have external patient health information available and that physicians aged 50 years or older were less likely to integrate external information into care decisions.

Read full article in published in Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA).

Minnesota News

Susan Heichert to be Session Connector for 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series

Susan Heichert will act as session connector for all four parts of the virtual series. Susan will weave together session themes and topics by asking pertinent questions, sharing her insights and perspectives and engaging participants.

She is former chief information officer at Allina Health and is currently consulting in information technology strategy and leadership as president of the Cedar Isles Organization.

Register today for the annual MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. This year’s sessions will explore the intersection of AI and health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience. Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

Session 1 - AI and Health Equity, Thursday, September 12
Presenter: Maia Hightower, MD, MPH, MBA, CEO, Equality AI

Session 2 - AI and Workforce, Thursday, September 19
Presenter: Brian Norris, MBA, RN, FHIMSS, Vice President & Managing Director, MedeAnalytics

Session 3 - AI and Cybersecurity, Thursday, September 26
Presenter: Barbara Wickoren, Offensive Security Advisor, White Oak Security

Session 4 - AI and Patient Experience, Thursday, October 10
Presenters: Edward Marx, MS, CEO, Marx Advisory
Cris Ross, MBA, CIO, Mayo Clinic

Visit the webpage for updates and presenter bios.

National News

ONC Propose New HTI-2 Rule

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) released the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability: Patient Engagement, Information Sharing, and Public Health Interoperability (HTI-2) proposed rule. The HTI-2 proposed rule is a continuation of ONC’s focused efforts to advance interoperability and improve information sharing among patients, providers, payers and public health. The HTI-2 proposed rule has two sets of new certification criteria designed to enable health IT for public health as well as health IT for payers to be certified under the ONC Health IT Certification Program.

ONC will be hosting a series of information sessions about the proposed rule in the coming weeks, including an overview session on July 17 that you can register to attend. More information is available at healthit.gov/proposedrule.

ONC Accepting Public Comments on ISA Through August 12

ONC is accepting public comments as part of its annual review of the Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA) through August 12. The ISA comment period is an opportunity for the community of standards experts, developers and users to provide comments, suggest revisions and propose additions to the ISA before the 11th Annual ISA Reference Edition is published in January 2025. For more information, see About the ISA | Interoperability Standards Platform (ISP) (healthit.gov).

The 2024 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series Returns this Fall

Register today for the annual MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual conference series.

This September, join us as national and local industry leaders share insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is helping reshape evolving e-health needs. This year’s sessions will explore the intersection of AI and health equity, workforce, cybersecurity, and the patient experience.

Registration is free. Participants can attend any or all sessions which are from noon to 1:30 p.m. CT.

Session 1 - AI and Health Equity, Thursday, September 12, Presenter: Maia Hightower, MD, MPH, MBA, CEO, Equality AI

Session 2 - AI and Workforce, Thursday, September 19, Presenter: Brian Norris, MBA, RN, FHIMSS, Vice President & Managing Director, MedeAnalytics

Session 3 - AI and Cybersecurity, Thursday, September 26, Presenter: Barbara Wickoren, Offensive Security Advisor, White Oak Security

Session 4 - AI and Patient Experience, Thursday, October 10, Presenters: Edward Marx, MS, CEO, Marx Advisory and Cris Ross, MBA, CIO, Mayo Clinic

Visit the webpage for updates and presenter bios.

Minnesota News

Reminder of Public Meeting on June 7

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold a public meeting to review the CyncHealth application for a certificate of authority to operate as a Health Information Organization (HIO) in Minnesota. The meeting will be hosted by MDH’s Center for Health Information Policy and Transformation.

Date: Friday, June 7

Time 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

To attend virtually: Click here to join CyncHealth public meeting

To join by phone: 651-395-7448 (Access code: 448 645 9#)

Meeting details: Available in the “Current HIO Applications Under Review” section of the Minnesota HIO Applicants & Application Process webpage.

Application materials and a public comment form will be available from May 23 – June 11 on the Minnesota HIO Applicants & Application Process webpage.

National News

Participate in WEDI Survey on Recommended Updates

The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) is conducting a survey on recommended updates to X12 health care administrative transactions. The survey is to identify the potential impact on industry stakeholders of these new transaction versions. Responses due July 15.

WEDI is a multi-stakeholder, non-profit organization named in Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as an advisor to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It fosters effective uses of health IT and information exchange to improve health care and outcomes. Contact Ariana Poole at apoole@wedi.org with questions.

Did You Know?

WEDI Response to ONC 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) published a draft 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan for public comment. The Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange (WEDI) reviewed the draft plan and submitted a response providing comments and recommendations. WEDI congratulates the ONC on its anniversary and accomplishments over the past 20 years.

Minnesota News

Open Positions on the Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently accepting membership applications for two seats on the Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee:

• Expert in Clinical Guideline Development
• Small/Community Access Hospital

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply through the Board/Commission: Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee webpage. Please share this opportunity with any colleagues who may be interested.

Applicants should submit a resume and other supporting materials. A statement outlining why you want to serve on this committee and how you can support its efforts is recommended.

The Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee

Established in 2004 by Minnesota Statute, the Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee brings together perspectives from across Minnesota’s health care landscape to develop recommendations and advise the Commissioner of Health on policies and processes to advance the use of health information technology, data use, data exchange, and related technologies. The committee works to achieve the Minnesota e-Health Vision that all communities and individuals benefit from and are empowered by information and technology that advances health equity and supports health and well-being.

The committee’s past work has helped shape legislation and enabled collaboration to achieve common goals.

Members are expected to bring their expertise and lived experiences to support this effort. More information can be found on the Minnesota eHealth Initiative webpage and in the most recent Minnesota e-Health Initiative report to the legislature.

Virtual (and/or hybrid) meetings are expected to begin in summer 2024. Questions about the committee or application process may be directed to mn.ehealth@state.mn.us.

Notice of Public Meeting on June 7

MDH will hold a public meeting to review the CyncHealth application for a certificate of authority to operate as a Health Information Organization (HIO) in Minnesota. The meeting will be hosted by MDH’s Center for Health Information Policy and Transformation.

Date: Friday, June 7

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams

Meeting details: Available in the “Current HIO Applications Under Review” section of the Minnesota HIO Applicants & Application Process webpage.

Application materials and a public comment form will be available from May 23 – June 11 on the Minnesota HIO Applicants & Application Process webpage.

National News

Submit Comments on Draft 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan

There is still time to submit comments on the draft 2024-2030 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan. The draft plan was published by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology. Goals and objectives include:

• Improving access to electronic health information
• Delivering a better, more equitable health care experience
• Modernizing the nation’s public health infrastructure.

The public comment period closes on May 28 (healthit.gov).

Did You Know?

2023 HITECH Report to Congress Now Available

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently released the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) 2023 report to Congress. The report describes actions to address issues related to health information technology and the access, exchange and use of electronic health information. The report also highlights updates and milestones, including the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) on the implementation progress of the 2020-2025 Federal Health IT Strategic Plan (healthit.gov).

Minnesota

MDH Showcases Innovation Project

Sarah Solarz and Ann Kayser of the Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control (IDEPT) Division and the Minnesota Electronic Disease Surveillance System (MEDSS) team, recently showcased their innovation project, Infectious Disease Health Pathway, at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference in Orlando, Fla. Solarz and Kayser were selected to represent Minnesota as partners with CDC, the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) and Oracle to demo this innovation at the conference.

The demo showcased the potential for electronic case reporting (eCR) to share data about occupation transmission using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. This standard is beginning to be adopted by public health agencies across the country. By optimizing interoperability features of a system, information is more efficiently shared and results in better tracking and outcomes.

eCR is the automated, real-time exchange of case report information between electronic health records (EHRs) and public health agencies. eCR aims to eliminate the burden of manual reporting for healthcare providers. FHIR allows for more efficient exchange of information between different computer systems.

The HIMSS conference is held annually to discuss the latest topics in health care and technology.

2024 Update to Maximum Charges for Patient Records

In some cases, patients or their representatives may be charged for copies of the patient's health record. The amount of any fee varies based on the individual situation. A state law, Minnesota Statutes, section 144.292, Subd. 6, sets a maximum that can be charged for patients records. The maximum is updated annually using a formula in the law. A description of the law and the maximum charges for 2024 when the law applies is now available in the updated  Maximum Charges for Patient Records (PDF) document.

National

HITAC Releases Annual Report

The Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC) has submitted the HITAC Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023 to the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary and Congress. The report shares HITAC’s progress during fiscal year 2023. The annual report also describes the health care industry’s progress in advancing health information technology infrastructure in several target areas. These areas include design and use of technologies that advance health equity, use of technologies that support public health, interoperability, privacy and security, and patient access to information. Find additional information on the HITAC website.

Did You Know?

MDH Adopts Revised 270-271 MUCG as Final Rule

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published a notice in the March 4 Minnesota Minnesota State Register (Vol. 48, No. 36) announcing that the revised Minnesota Uniform Companion Guide (MUCG) has been adopted into rule:

• MUCG for the Implementation of the ASC X12/005010X279A1 Health Care Eligibility Benefit Inquiry and Response (270/271), version 14.0 (PDF)

The rule was developed in consultation with the Minnesota Administrative Uniformity Committee (AUC) in compliance with Minnesota Statutes section 62J.536. The statute requires health care providers, group purchasers (payers) and health care clearinghouses to exchange certain health care business transactions electronically in compliance with the revised and adopted MUCG. It became effective April 4.