The Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) has added the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) to its state-designated health information exchange, enabling bidirectional data exchange between tribal and non-tribal facilities. This collaboration will improve the quality and safety of care for Native American and Alaska Native populations in Michigan. The NHBP is the first Michigan-based tribe to gain access to Active Care Relationship Service (ACRS), a patient data-sharing solution that enables data exchange between different healthcare providers and organizations. Nine out of the 12 tribes in Michigan have completed the required agreements to become part of the statewide network for exchanging health information.
The Michigan Health Information Network (MiHIN) has made a significant step forward in advancing bidirectional interoperability by adding the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) to its state-designated health information exchange. This is a crucial step in improving the quality and safety of care for Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in Michigan, as many nomadic tribes are constantly moving due to their ancestors’ traditions. Without interoperability, these communities cannot access their medical information and family medical history, which could have severe consequences.
After joining MiHIN, bidirectional data exchange has been initiated between tribal and non-tribal facilities. The NHBP is the first Michigan-based tribe to gain access to Active Care Relationship Service (ACRS), a patient data-sharing solution that enables data exchange between different healthcare providers and organizations. The NHBP has also integrated ReferralsPlus, a digital platform aimed at streamlining the referral process for healthcare providers.
As part of this collaboration, the Immunizations Use Case has also been implemented, facilitating the electronic transmission of immunization records to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the state’s immunization information system (IIS). These initiatives will allow the NHBP to access accurate and timely health information that will allow them to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the overall quality of care.
Rosalind Johnston, health and human services director for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, stated that NHBP’s decision to join MiHIN reflects its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and providing patient-centered medical care for its members. She added that they are excited to partner with MIHIN and leverage their state-of-the-art solutions.
Tim Pletcher, executive director of MIHIN, expressed his excitement about the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi joining the MIHIN network. He said that enhancing the tribal representation in healthcare data will result in better health equity, outcomes, and patient satisfaction for tribal patients.
As of the latest update, nine out of the 12 tribes, along with the Urban Indian Health Center, have completed the required agreements to become part of the statewide network for exchanging health information, MiHIN reported. This collaboration will allow these communities to coordinate, provide better patient care, and improve health equity in a way that ensures patient health information is protected from unauthorized access and is used in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way.
Lorna Elliott-Egan, director of Tribal Government Services & Policy with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, stated that one of the most significant lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic is the importance of ensuring access to good health data to Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes and urban Indian Health Center. She added that as sovereign nations, Michigan tribes should have access to solid data to serve their citizens and other Indigenous patients well. She is excited to see the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi make great strides toward obtaining this essential information.
