CalHHS has introduced a $47 million grant program to assist healthcare and social service organizations in implementing the California Data Exchange Framework (DxF). The program aims to overcome operational and technical obstacles faced by underserved entities. Entities that have signed the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) and require additional support to fulfill DSA requirements are eligible to apply. The grants prioritize organizations serving marginalized populations and under-resourced areas. The program offers Technical Assistance (TA) grants and Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO) onboarding grants. Application for the first round of grants closes on June 16th, 2023.
The California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) has unveiled a grant program worth $47 million to provide support to healthcare and social service organizations in adopting the state’s Data Exchange Framework (DxF).
To comply with state regulations, numerous entities in California were required to sign a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) for the DxF by January 31st, 2023. This framework plays a crucial role in realizing the state’s objectives of transforming healthcare, expanding coverage, and strengthening the connection between healthcare and social services.
The DSA Signatory Grants Program has been established to offer resources to health and social service organizations that have already signed the DSA (Signatories) to address the operational, technical, and technological challenges associated with implementing the DxF.
Entities that have signed the DSA and can demonstrate their need for additional support to meet DSA requirements are eligible to apply for this program.
Mark Ghaly, MD, MPH, the Secretary of CalHHS, emphasized the significance of this grant program, stating, “The launch of this Grant Program is another important step in our continued, successful implementation of California’s Data Exchange Framework. A healthy California for all is only made possible if the health and social services entities that have signed the data sharing agreement properly implement the Data Exchange Framework.”
Grants will be prioritized for organizations operating in under-resourced areas or catering to historically marginalized populations and underserved communities.
The CalHHS Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) is offering two types of DSA Signatory Grants.
Technical Assistance (TA) grants enable DSA Signatories to customize their solution. Signatories will be able to identify various technical and operational activities and manage the application and fund management processes independently. This grant empowers Signatories by providing them with considerable control over the allocated funds.
Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO) onboarding grants support an assisted pathway. Entities will receive assistance in onboarding to a CDII Qualified HIO, which will serve as an exchange Intermediary, ensuring compliance with DSA requirements. This grant provides application support and guidance for DxF implementation.
The California Association of Health Information Exchanges (CAHIE), CDII’s contracted partner, will assist applicants with the grant request application process. Public Consulting Group (PCG), serving as CDII’s fiscal intermediary, will manage the distribution of funds directly to the selected QHIO of the applicants.
The funding maximums for both grant domains are as follows:
– General acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities: Up to $50,000
– Physician organizations and medical groups: Up to $35,000
– Health insurance plans: Up to $25,000
– Clinical laboratories: Up to $15,000
Enhanced funding maximums will be available for Signatories meeting specific criteria to address existing inequities.
The grant program will be conducted in at least three rounds throughout 2023. The application window for the first round will close at 12:00 PM on June 16th, 2023.
