United Ways of California Unveils Referral Framework With DxF Alignment
To better work with community-based organizations (CBOs) across 20 counties, United Ways of California is launching an Enhanced Care Digital Referral Network (ECDRN) throughout 2025 for streamlined service referrals and care delivery. The initiative will embrace California’s DxF and its policies to support seamless data sharing between 211 information and referral programs and 1,000+ CBOs, marking a step forward for coordinated care in California through data sharing. (United Ways of California, 12/2)
Dr. Tripathi on ASTP Progress and Future Work
As Dr. Micky Tripathi departs from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP), he reflects upon ASTP’s greatest achievements in advancing health interoperability, including bringing urgency to data sharing and launching the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). Looking to the future under a new administration, Dr. Tripathi believes ASTP’s work in technology strategy is essential and predicts a greater focus on artificial intelligence (AI) as it continues to evolve and require greater transparency. (Modern Healthcare, 12/3)
Congress Aims to Strengthen Cybersecurity in Health Care
Introduced to the U.S. Congress by Senator Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Warner (D-VA), the Health Infrastructure Security and Accountability Act proposes new cybersecurity measures for HIPAA covered entities and business associates in response to growing cyberattacks and digitization of health information. This bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish strengthened security standards, require annual risk assessments and audits, set civil monetary penalties, and provide funding to support hospital adoption of cybersecurity practices. (Health Law Advisor, 11/11)
ASTP Examines Structured Data Collection to Improve Health Equity
As part of efforts to advance interoperability for health equity, ASTP has been researching the processes and impacts of structured data collection for health-related social needs (HRSN) information. Recent studies illustrate that hospitals and physicians collecting HRSN data in a structured format are more likely to use this information for downstream uses, such as making referrals, and a lack of technology resources can limit this ability. (ASTP, 11/25)
