HIE, NextGen Aid Compliance with Health Data Exchange Framework

A California-based health information exchange (HIE) has partnered with EHR vendor NextGen Healthcare to help healthcare providers comply with the state’s new health data exchange framework.

Serving Communities Health Information Organization (SCHIO) will leverage the EHR vendor’s Mirth Health Data Hub, a data integration and interoperability platform, as well as Mirth Connect, an integration engine for health data exchange.

The California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) recently introduced its new Data Exchange Framework (DxF), the first-ever data sharing agreement of its kind in California. The framework is key to achieving the state’s goals for transforming healthcare, expanding coverage, and improving interoperability between healthcare and social services.

DxF requirements became mandatory for most providers across California on January 31, 2024. However, some entities, like physician practices with fewer than 25 physicians, acute psychiatric hospitals, and rural general acute care hospitals, will have until January 31, 2026, to fully implement the framework.

“California’s Data Exchange Framework may be new, but SCHIO has been connecting healthcare providers in the state since 1996,” Srinivas (Sri) Velamoor, president and chief operating officer of NextGen Healthcare, said in a press release.

“This alliance is an extension of our mutual ongoing commitment to deliver meaningful interoperability to healthcare organizations across California and simplify compliance with emerging data exchange and patient data access regulations,” Velamoor added.

SCHIO was the first entity in California to sign the DXF data sharing agreement.

“Through our use of Mirth Health Data Hub and Mirth Connect by NextGen Healthcare, we are making a lasting investment in our communities by helping healthcare organizations achieve greater interoperability and deliver an improved patient experience,” said Daniel (Dan) Chavez, executive director of SCHIO.