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.