Newsletter Article

Counties Encouraged to Provide Feedback on Direction of Data Exchange

Key staff: Ken Riomales

As the world of interoperability continues to expand and evolve, the key to achieving robust data exchange is standardization. Programs such as the California Data Exchange Framework (DxF) and Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) aim to establish state and federal “rules of the road” for interoperability, but individual organizations, such as counties, also play an important role.

For effective data exchange across disparate organizations, there must be an agreed upon, standardized set data elements to share. Enter the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information’s United States Core Data for Interoperability (USCDI), a standardized set of health data classes and constituent data elements for nationwide, interoperable health information exchange.

The USCDI is not static, but rather is intended to grow over time as standards mature and users’ needs evolve. For this to happen, it is critical to that voices throughout the care coordination spectrum contribute meaningfully to the standard. Currently, USCDI version 4 is available for public comment. CalMHSA encourages all counties to register on HealthIT.gov and post comments to help guide the direction of the USCDI.

April 25, 2023