Minnesota e-Health Updates
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The e-Health updates are intended to provide health related professionals with a Minnesota perspective on the e-health related news and highlight some current events.
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:
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.
Minnesota
MDH Adopts Revised 837P and 837I Minnesota Uniform Companion Guides (MUCG) as Final Rules
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published a notice in the December 11, 2023 (Volume 48, Number 24) edition of the Minnesota State Register announcing the following revised Minnesota Uniform Companion Guides (MUCG) have been adopted into rule:
- MUCG for the Implementation of the ASC X12/005010X222A1 Health Care Claim: Professional (837), version 18.0 (PDF)
- MUCG for the Implementation of the ASC X12/005010X223A2 Health Care Claim: Institutional (837), version 18.0 0 (PDF)
The rules become effective January 10, 2024 and were developed in consultation with the Minnesota Administrative Uniformity Committee (AUC). More information regarding the rules is available in the December 11, 2023 Minnesota State Register (Vol. 48, No. 24) notice.
Minnesota
Help move Minnesota forward: Apply for e-Health Advisory Committee Membership
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently accepting membership applications for the Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee (AC). Health and health care is being transformed by health information technology, data use and exchange, and policy to improve health care efficiency and health outcomes. Established in 2004, under Minnesota Statute, the 25-member AC 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.
We are seeking members who represent perspectives from across Minnesota’s health care landscape, including providers, hospitals, health insurers and health plans, long-term care, public health, academic and research institutions, vendors, consumers, state agencies, and others. A list of specific positions, along with the application, is available on the Board/Commission: Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee webpage under the "Details" section.
The committee will work to achieve the Minnesota e-Health Vision, where all communities and individuals benefit from and are empowered by information and technology that advances health equity and supports health and wellbeing. Past work has shaped legislation and enabled collaboration toward common goals. Members will be expected to bring their expertise and lived experiences to support this effort. More information can be found on the Minnesota e-Health Initiative webpage and in the most recent Minnesota e-Health Initiative report to the legislature (PDF).
Virtual (and/or hybrid) meetings are expected to begin in February 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for membership through the Board/Commission: Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee webpage by December 31. However, the application portal will remain open until all seats are filled. Please share this opportunity with any colleagues who may be interested.
Applicants should submit a resume. While other materials are optional, we suggest including a statement of why you want to serve on this committee and how you can support the efforts. Questions about the committee or application process may be directed to mn.ehealth@state.mn.us.
Minnesota
Don't miss Session 3 of the 2023 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series
Join us today, October 25, as Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics and Director of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, discusses Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: Promises and Perils.
Following Dr. Caplan's keynote, expert panelists representing a variety of health and health care industry backgrounds will share their responses and experiences.
Panelists:
- Brenna Loufek, SaMD, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Mayo Clinic - Center for Digital Health Doctoral Student in Evidence-Based Healthcare at the University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Services
- Greg Papillon, Director, Public Health Innovation, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
- Kari Thurlow, President, Chief Executive Officer, LeadingAge MN
There is still time to register for the session, which starts at 12:00p.m., CT.
Final session next week!
Session 4 - Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 12:00-1:30 p.m. CT
Social Determinants of Health: Aligning Forces for Change
Keynotes:
- Nebeyou Abebe, Senior Vice President of Social Determinants of Health, Highmark Health
- Amy Bloomquist, Director, Population Health, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Moderator:
- Christopher Kunney, MS, Chair, MS Healthcare Informatics Advisory Board, Morehouse School of Medicine
Visit event webpage for updated session details and speaker bios.
Minnesota
The 2023 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series Begins Today!
Grab your lunch and join us virtually as we kickoff the 2023 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. Today, you will hear from Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner as she discusses health equity.
Sessions start at noon on four consecutive Wednesdays from October 11 through November 1 and are free to attend. The 90-minute sessions will feature keynotes by national and local leaders followed by facilitated discussions with subject matter experts.
Session 1 (Wednesday, October 11) Health Equity: Are We Ready for the Data Revolution?
Keynote
Brooke Cunningham, MD PhD, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health
Responder Panelists
Mark Cullen, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Trellis
Steve Johnson, PhD, Health Informatics, Associate Director, CTSI Health Informatics Program, Director, Informatics Innovation Dissemination, University of Minnesota
Session 2 (Wednesday, October 18) Technology-enabled Health Care Disruption
Co-Keynotes
Jenny Ramseth, Chief Product Officer of Best Buy Health for Best Buy Co. Inc.
Kevin Larsen, MD, FACP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Innovation, Center for Advanced Clinical Solutions, Optum Health
Session 3 (Wednesday, October 25) Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: Promises and Perils
Keynote
Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
Responder Panelists
Brenna Loufek, MS, SaMD, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Mayo Clinic - Center for Digital Health Doctoral Student in Evidence-Based Healthcare at the University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Services
Greg Papillon, MPH, Director, Public Health Innovation, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Kari Thurlow, JD, President, Chief Executive Officer, LeadingAge MN
Session 4 (Wednesday, November 1) Social Determinants of Health: Aligning Forces for Change
Keynote
Nebeyou Abebe, MA, Senior Vice President of Social Determinants of Health, Highmark Health
Responder Panelist
Amy Bloomquist, Director, Population Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Moderator
Christopher Kunney, MS, Chair, MS Healthcare Informatics Advisory Board, Morehouse School of Medicine
Visit event webpage for updated session details, speaker bios, and future session recordings.
Minnesota
The 2023 MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative Virtual Series Starts Next Week!
Join us for the kickoff session on health equity with Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner.
Join us for the fourth annual MN HIMSS and Minnesota e-Health Initiative virtual conference series. Sessions start at noon on four consecutive Wednesdays from October 11 through November 1 are free to attend. The 90-minute sessions will feature keynotes by national and local leaders followed by facilitated discussions with subject matter experts.
Session 1 (Wednesday, October 11) Health Equity: Are We Ready for the Data Revolution?
Keynote
Brooke Cunningham, MD PhD, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Health
Responder Panelists
Mark Cullen, Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, Trellis
Steve Johnson, PhD, Health Informatics, Associate Director, CTSI Health Informatics Program, Director, Informatics Innovation Dissemination, University of Minnesota
Session 2 (Wednesday, October 18) Technology-enabled Health Care Disruption
Co-Keynotes
Jenny Ramseth, Responder Panelist
Amy Bloomquist, Director, Population Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Kevin Larsen, MD, FACP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Innovation, Center for Advanced Clinical Solutions, Optum Health
Session 3 (Wednesday, October 25) Ethics and Artificial Intelligence: Promises and Perils
Keynote
Arthur L. Caplan, PhD, Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine
Responder Panelists
Brenna Loufek, MS, SaMD, Regulatory Affairs Manager at Mayo Clinic - Center for Digital Health Doctoral Student in Evidence-Based Healthcare at the University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Primary Health Services
Greg Papillon, MPH, Director, Public Health Innovation, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
Kari Thurlow, JD, President, Chief Executive Officer, LeadingAge MN
Session 4 (Wednesday, November 1) Social Determinants of Health: Aligning Forces for Change
Keynote
Nebeyou Abebe, MA, Senior Vice President of Social Determinants of Health, Highmark Health
Responder Panelist
Amy Bloomquist, Director, Population Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
Visit event webpage for updated session details, speaker bios, and future session recordings.
Minnesota
MN POLST Registry Study Advisory Committee
The Minnesota Department of Health is conducting a study to develop recommendations for a statewide registry of Provider Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms to ensure that a patient's medical treatment preferences are followed by all health care providers.
During its 2023 legislative session, the Minnesota State Legislature directed the commissioner of health to conduct this study in consultation with an advisory committee. The advisory committee is scheduled to meet virtually on September 15, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting and provide input on agenda topics to be submitted using the meeting link that will provided on the POLST Registry Study webpage when available.
The POLST Registry Study webpage also features information on the registry study and the advisory committee, including meeting materials when available. Additional information on POLST can be found at POLST Minnesota and National POLST.
Equitable Health Care Task Force Membership
In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature established an Equitable Health Care Task Force. The task force will examine inequities in how people experience health care based on race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, and disability. It will identify strategies for ensuring that all Minnesotans can receive care and coverage that is respectful and ensures optimal health outcomes. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will convene this task force.
The Equitable Health Care Task Force is currently accepting membership applications. To become a participating member of the task force, please visit Equitable Health Care Task Force or Board/Commission Equitable Health Care Task Force. Applicants must submit a cover letter; other materials such as resumes and letters of recommendation are optional. Interested persons are highly encouraged to apply by September 11, 2023.
National
CDC Health Data Innovation Summit
The CDC Foundation along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will convene the CDC Health Data Innovation Summit at the CDC campus in Atlanta September 27-28.
The purpose of the CDC Health Data Innovation Summit is to bring together key partners to learn about, and collaborate on, high priority public health information challenges. Representatives from public health agencies, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, academic and research institutions, technology vendors, industry, and other organizations invested in health data challenges, are welcome.
For additional information including registration and agenda, please follow the CDC Health Data Innovation Summit website.
2023 Interoperability Standards Advisory Accepting Comments
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) opened its annual comment period for the Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA). Comments to be considered for inclusion should be submitted by October 6 at 11:59 p.m. ET. This is an opportunity for the public to provide comments, suggest revisions, and propose additions to the ISA before ONC publishes the 10th Annual ISA Reference Edition in January 2024. Follow this link to submit comments: Log in | Interoperability Standards Advisory (ISA) (healthit.gov).
Did You Know?
2023 ONC Annual Meeting Is Back In-person
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) is hosting its annual meeting on December 14-15 in Washington D.C. The meeting will focus on the key issues at the intersection of health care, public health, policymaking, and technology through a variety of keynote speakers, including National Coordinator Micky Tripathi. Opportunities to learn about artificial intelligence in health care, the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) and policy updates, information blocking, and more. Register now.