Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
Project Abstract While the State of Nevada has achieved some progress toward the adoption of health information technology (HIT), it does not have a formal plan for implementing state wide health information exchange (HIE). This has resulted in fragmented efforts and uncoordinated investments in HIT. Nevada plans to use ARRA HIE cooperative agreement funds to develop the necessary Strategic and Operational Plans to facilitate the core infrastructure and capacity that will enable the state wide electronic movement and utilization of health information by health care providers, according to nationally recognized standards. The State will promote HIE that will ensure the appropriate mechanisms and capabilities for information sharing across the health care system. Meaningful use of HIT and HIE will be the foundation for improving the quality and efficiency of Nevada???s health care system for all populations. It is in the best interest of Nevada for its state government to take the leadership role in deploying HIE, and the responsibility has been assigned to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). By playing a significant role in the design and implementation of a state wide HIE, DHHS can be sure that it will be cost-effective and sustainable, leverage investments already made by the health care community and the state and meet established national standards. Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons recently issued two Executive Orders to support cohesive and coordinated activities for state wide HIE adoption. On July 15, 2009, the 12-member Nevada Broadband Task Force was established to ensure broadband accessibility, availability, affordability and reliability across the state. The 16-member Nevada Health Information Technology Blue Ribbon Task Force was created on September 16, 2009 to provide oversight and guidance on the successful implementation of state wide HIE. Both Task Forces will play key roles in the development of the Nevada???s HIE Strategic and Operational Plans, and will work collaboratively to ensure HIE adoption. During its inaugural meeting on October 9, 2009, the HIT Task Force unanimously voted in support of this application and for state wide HIE implementation. The Strategic Plan will address the evolution of capabilities supporting HIE, will define governance including the roles of partners and stakeholders and will provide high-level project descriptions for operational planning, implementation and evaluation. The Operational Plan will include detailed timetables and milestones for executing the Strategic Plan state wide, as well as identify barriers, risks and interdependencies for HIT deployment and HIE implementation. The state intends to utilize 10-12% of its ARRA HIE cooperative agreement funding to develop the necessary strategic and operational plans. This will include the hiring of an external contractor to support the state???s efforts and ensure on time submission of the plans to ONC. Nevada anticipates that at least 60% of the funds will be used for implementation of the plans. The remainder of the funding is allocated for the staff and operating expenses necessary to carry out the terms of the agreement and meet the deadlines for deliverables.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
