In our first coalition meeting of 2024 we were joined by DeeAnne McCallin, Deputy Director, Data Exchange Framework, CHHS Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII), and Alan Katz, Associate Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, Civitas Networks for Health. 

DeeAnne McCallin discussed CDII priorities for 2024 which include:

• The Data Exchange Framework (DxF) participant directory, which includes a Policy and Procedure on the directory, the application for participants to enter in selections for their preferred methods of exchange, and a public listing of participants.
• The next phase of the DSA Signatory Grants program. She notes that CDII received more than 400 applications at the end of round 3 and that part of their work moving forward will encompass determining how to help awardees implement next steps and submit progress reports.
• Continued efforts to drive signatories to the DSA, first focusing on the required signatories and then moving to counties, state departments, social services, and community based organizations. 

Next, Alan Katz provided a summary of the HHS Provider Information Blocking Incentives Proposed Rule, which imposes “disincentives” (using CMS authority) on different health care providers if it is determined that they have committed information blocking. He highlighted Civitas’ general support of the disincentive rule, but emphasized their concern that the proposals don’t go far enough and shared their public comments.  

We reviewed the newly released DxF Implementation Toolkit, a step-by-step guide on how to comply with the DxF. DxF bootcamps, hosted by Connecting for Better Health and Transform Health, will be available to interested stakeholders and their partners later this year. Bootcamps can serve as a basis to build a roadmap to not only exchange data, but also make the data meaningful and valuable.

Access the Data Exchange Framework Implementation Toolkit and keep an eye out for updates on DxF bootcamps and workshops.