AHRQ
http://healthit.ahrq.gov/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=650&PageID=0&parentname=ObjMgr&parentid=106&mode=2&dummy=
posted by WyHIO at 5:32 PM
0 comments
Monday, February 20, 2006
Healthcare IT News
http://www.healthcareitnews.com/topic.cms?id=13
posted by WyHIO at 7:46 AM
0 comments
PFHSE Excellence in Practice Concept Paper
PFHSE Excellence in Practice
Concept Paper ? January 31, 2006
Background and Need
In 2003, the Wyoming Legislature created the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (WHCC) to develop strategies to improve health care and reduce health care costs for
As part of the EHR feasibility study, feedback was gathered from key stakeholder interviews and from focus groups held throughout the state,
The WyHIO ePrescribing Initiative is needed to increase efficiency, accuracy and appropriateness of medication to benefit patients, physicians, pharmacists and payers. ePrescribing is a major step to the statewide interoperable electronic health records implementation.
Purpose of Project To facilitate adoption of technology in the physician office, a statewide e-Prescribing initiative is proposed, beginning with a pilot implementation to demonstrate viability. Physicians and allied health professionals participating in the initiative will send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies through personal computers, PDAs or tablet devices. The practitioner will have the ability to review drug interactions, review formulary requirements and access a disease reference database. The WyHIO will assist the practices in installation of the system, training, matching incentives and ongoing support.
While significant technical, legal and operational issues need to be resolved before a national electronic prescribing plan goes into effect, developing such systems for electronic prescribing is a national and state priority. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173) specifies the development of national standards for enabling the exchange of basic prescription data to and from prescribers and pharmacists, as well as standards for information exchanged about a patient's drug utilization history, possible drug interactions, the drug plan (including information about the formulary and cost-sharing), and information about lower-cost therapeutically appropriate alternatives.
Description of Project The system is designed to prevent medical errors due to illegible handwriting, decrease the need for time consuming telephone communications between the pharmacy and prescriber, and improve the turn around time filling prescriptions at the pharmacy.
The project will establish the baseline of preferred drug list use and use of generic drugs in the Medicaid program prior to initiating the project and will analyze these measures after adoption of e-Prescribing. These measurements will be made at 6 months (after an initial pilot), and after a prescriber has used the system for at least a full year after the rollout of the statewide project. Provider adoption will be tracked at the same intervals using a survey process to assess characteristics of early adopters.
Impact Sponsoring an ePrescribing initiative will streamline the prescription process by integrating payers, pharmacies, and providers. ePrescribing is being widely implemented through regional initiatives and is supported by accepted HIT standards. An ePrescribing system represents a low risk/high reward opportunity relative to other initiatives that may be considered.
Transmitting drug prescriptions electronically to pharmacies has been shown to reduce errors caused by handwriting and reduce the considerable time currently expended between pharmacies and prescribers in clarifying prescription information. In addition, with the cumulative electronic collection of prescription information, it is possible to develop a history of all medications that have been dispensed for an identified patient. This permits automated checking of interactions between drugs – a vitally important patient safety process. Moreover, accurate medication lists can be time and even lifesaving at the point of patient care.
Further, drug utilization data can be valuable for disease management of chronic conditions, and is indispensable information for measuring costs of care. Other uses of accurate patient medication lists include facilitating drug alerts and recalls, and identifying prescription drug abuse. Payers, who administer formularies with different coverage for different drugs can expect greater compliance when coverage information is available at the time of prescribing. JSI received positive feedback on ePrescribing from groups of physicians and pharmacists in Wyoming, who tend to view electronic prescribing as potentially delivering significant efficiencies for their daily practices.
posted by WyHIO at 7:39 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Wyoming Legislative Update
SF 50, the HIT bill passed out of the senate committee this morning on
unanimous vote. The bill was amended to restrict spending during the first
year to under $1 million for any contracts and allows the WYHIO
to explore other options besides setting up a hub and some other minor
changes. There were no changes in the funding overall.
posted by WyHIO at 1:59 PM
0 comments
Monday, February 06, 2006
RFP Bulletin
RFP-BULLETIN
a service of the Foundation Center
=========================================
February 3, 2006
Volume 7, Issue 5
The RFP Bulletin is a publication of the Foundation
Center. To search or browse the Bulletin on the Web,
visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/
To subscribe or unsubscribe, or to change your e-mail
address, visit: http://fdncenter.org/newsletters/
This week's PND Poll wants to know: How would you rate
U.S. philanthropy's engagement with global health
issues?
To vote, visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/
::::::::::::::::: PND E-MAIL ALERTS :::::::::::::::::
New from Philanthropy News Digest! Receive e-mail
notification of the latest news and jobs posted to
PND. It's easy and it's free!
To sign up, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/profile/edit_newsletters.jhtml
****************** ADVERTISEMENT ********************
Xerox FreeColorPrinters -- Got 5 minutes?
Get a FREE high-speed Xerox Color Printer for your
business or organization. Print ALL your documents
in COLOR, in your office, on your schedule. Save time
and money -- and stop being a slave to the copy shop!
If you have a need for color you owe it to yourself
to apply. It takes only minutes.
Apply now at:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000721/freecolorprinter
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
1) Cintas Fellowships in Visual Arts and Architecture
Available to Cuban Artists
2) Tourism Cares for Tomorrow Announces 2006 Worldwide
Grant Program
3) Youth Service America Announces Katrina's Kids
Community Service Grants Program
4) Baltimore Community Foundation Invites Applications
for Neighborhood Grants Program
5) MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards
Program
6) Kessler Foundation Offers Disability Employment Grant
Program for New Jersey Citizens
7) Entergy Launches 2006 Environmental Stewardship Grant
Application Process
8) Nominations Invited for Rosalynn Carter Caregiving
Award
9) Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Launches Finding
Answers: Disparities Research for Change Grant
Program
10) Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Seeks Nominees
for Professor of Survivorship Awards
11) American Indian Journalism Institute Accepting
Nominations
12) Asia Society Seeks Nominations for Osborn Elliott
Prize for Excellence in Asian Journalism
13) Entries Invited for Casey Medals for Meritorious
Journalism
14) Open Society Institute Announces Katrina Media
Fellowships
15) Caring for Carcinoid Foundation Seeks Research
Proposals
16) San Francisco Foundation Invites Entries for
Community Leadership Awards
17) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for
Minority Students Accepting Applications
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
1) Cintas Fellowships in Visual Arts and Architecture
Available to Cuban Artists
Deadline: February 17, 2006 (Visual Arts) and
March 17, 2006 (Architecture)
Cintas Fellowships are designed to acknowledge the
creative accomplishments of artists of Cuban citizenship
or direct descent and encourage the excellence of these
artists in architecture, literature, music composition,
and the visual arts.
Eligibility for these fellowships is limited to creative
artists, living outside of Cuba, of Cuban citizenship or
direct lineage (having a Cuban parent or grandparent).
Cintas Fellows are free to pursue their artistic
activities as they wish. The fellowships are not awarded
for academic study or research, or to performing artists.
Fellowships are not awarded more than twice to the same
person. Second awards are granted only to candidates
demonstrating outstanding artistic development.
Fellowships are awarded annually in the amount of $15,000
each and are paid in quarterly stipends, beginning in
September, for twelve consecutive months.
For 2006, fellowships will be awarded in the fields of
Visual Arts and Architecture (2007 fellowships will be
awarded in the fields of Visual Arts and Music
Composition; 2008 fellowships will be awarded in the
fields of Visual Arts and Creative Writing.)
Visit the program's Web site for complete fellowship
guidelines and application procedures.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000704/iiecintas
For additional RFPs in Arts and Culture, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
2) Tourism Cares for Tomorrow Announces 2006 Worldwide
Grant Program
Deadlines: March 1, June 30, and November 1, 2006 (Letters
of Inquiry)
Tourism Cares for Tomorrow
( http://www.tourismcaresfortomorrow.org/ ), the tourism
industry's nonprofit organization, exists to preserve,
conserve, and promote the responsible use of our world's
natural, cultural, and historic treasures and to support
education and research to help secure the positive future
of travel and tourism worldwide.
As part of its mission, Tourism Cares for Tomorrow
distributes charitable grants to worthy tourism-related
nonprofit organizations worldwide.
Tourism Cares for Tomorrow considers projects or programs
with either or both of the following goals: 1) Projects
that protect, restore, or conserve sites of exceptional
cultural, historic, or natural significance; and
2) Programs that educate local host communities and the
traveling public about conservation and preservation of
sites. Preference will be given to applicants that are
able to leverage Tourism Cares for Tomorrow's grant
funding to provide increased philanthropic support through
vehicles such as matching grants or challenge grants;
are endorsed by the local, regional, or national tourism
office; and demonstrate strong support from the local
community.
Tourism Cares for Tomorrow's grantmaking goals for 2006
call for a balanced distribution to U.S. and non-U.S.
recipients. Grant recipients must be classified as
nonprofit and tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the
U.S. Internal Revenue Code or, in the case of non-U.S.
organizations, must function as the equivalent.
Historically, grant amounts have ranged between $10,000
and $20,000. However, based on merit and availability of
funds, some grants of up to $100,000 will also be
considered.
(Please Note: The 2006 grant application cycles have
changed to every four months rather than quarterly, as
they were in 2005.)
Visit the Tourism Cares for Tomorrow Web Site for complete
program information and application procedures.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000704/tourismcares
For additional RFPs in Arts and Culture, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
3) Youth Service America Announces Katrina's Kids
Community Service Grants Program
Deadline: March 3, 2006
America's Promise ( http://www.americaspromise.org/ )
and Youth Service America ( http://www.ysa.org/ ) have
announced the Katrina's Kids Community Service Grants
for hurricane relief.
The program will offer seventeen grants of $1,000 to young
people who wish to implement hurricane-relief projects.
The Katrina's Kids Community Service Grant is open to all
U.S. citizens between the ages of 5 and 25.
Applicants will be expected to develop and implement a
sustainable relief project that supports hurricane-relief
efforts in the Gulf Coast region. The program welcomes
projects in which children and youth work in partnership
with adults (parents, coaches, teachers, youth leaders,
etc.); however, projects should be youth-led and created,
and must take place on National and Global Youth Service
Day (April 21-23, 2006) ( http://www.ysa.org/nysd/ ).
The application form and an FAQ are available at the YSA
Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000704/ysa
For additional RFPs in Children and Youth, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_children.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
4) Baltimore Community Foundation Invites Applications
for Neighborhood Grants Program
Deadline: March 15, 2006
The Baltimore Community Foundation's ( http://bcf.org/ )
Neighborhood Grants Program offers funding for resident-
driven and -led community-based organizations in Baltimore
City and Baltimore County neighborhoods.
The primary purposes of the NGP are to support and
increase residents' involvement and investment in their
communities; to increase the effectiveness of community
organizations by providing financial resources and other
support to enable them to initiate and complete priority
neighborhood projects; to help neighborhoods become
supportive environments for families and businesses; and
to strengthen neighborhoods so that current and potential
residents and businesses are more willing to invest time,
effort, and money in the community.
The NGP offers the following types of funding:
Mobilization Grants -- Grants of up to $5,000 for small
projects with total budgets of no more than $5,000. Grants
are to assist resident-driven and -led community groups in
low- to moderate-income neighborhoods with an active,
engaged resident base to design, develop, and carry out
projects. The applicant organization's board must be at
least 51 percent neighborhood residents. The applicant
organization does not need to be a 501(c)(3) organization,
but must prove that the grant will be used for "charitable
purposes" as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal
Revenue Code.
Leadership Grants -- Grants of up to $10,000 for projects
with total budgets of no more than $10,000 (less match).
Grants are to assist resident-driven and -led community
groups in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, with a
demonstrated track record of neighborhood leadership, a
history of resident involvement, and an active, engaged
resident base to design, develop, and carry out projects.
The applicant organization must have a 501(c)(3) desig-
nation from the IRS and must provide a minimum match of
25 percent of the grant request. This match may be met
through in-kind donation, volunteer labor, or cash.
Please note: All grantseekers must attend an application
workshop before applying for a grant from the Neighborhood
Grants Program. Application workshops will be held on
February 15 and February 17 at BCF. Visit the BCF Web site
for workshop details and to download grant guidelines.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000707/bcf
For additional RFPs in Community Improvement/Development,
visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_community.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
5) MetLife Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards
Program
Deadline: February 24, 2006
The RFP for the 2006 MetLife Foundation Community-Police
Partnership Awards is now available.
Since 2002, the MetLife Foundation ( http://metlife.org/ )
and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation
( http://www.lisc.org/ ) have partnered to recognize,
sustain and share the work of innovative partnerships
between community groups and police to promote neighbor-
hood safety and revitalization. Through the MetLife
Foundation Community-Police Partnership Awards, the
MetLife Foundation and LISC identify and honor partner-
ships that exhibit tangible accomplishments in their
efforts to advance the process, outcome, and evaluation
of potent police-community collaborations.
Eligible applicants must be member organizations of
partnerships that include, but need not be limited to,
community organizations and police. Awardees receive a
monetary grant and their work is promoted via case studies
to a wide audience of practitioners, policymakers, and
academics.
Five to eight awards totaling $100,000 will be made, with
award amounts ranging from $10,000 to $35,000. Awards are
unrestricted funds that may be used by the recipient in
any manner that, in the awardee's opinion, promotes,
furthers, or strengthens the recognized partnership.
Interested applicants must complete and submit a brief
preliminary application form, available online at the
LISC Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000708/lisc
For additional RFPs in Community Improvement/Development,
visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_community.jhtml
****************** ADVERTISEMENT ********************
"Lobbying -- What You Can and Can't do When You Have a
Federal Grant" Audio Conference
Based on recent events, recipients of federal grants have
good reason to make sure that their government relations
practices don't run afoul of applicable lobbying
restrictions. Learn what you can and can't do when faced
with the patchwork of federal statutory and regulatory
policies when you register to attend this 90-minute,
interactive audio conference on March 2, from Bob Lloyd,
a respected authority on federal policies affecting
acquisition, administration and audit of federal grants.
Register today at:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000722/thompson
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
6) Kessler Foundation Offers Disability Employment Grant
Program for New Jersey Citizens
Deadline: March 31, 2006 (Letter of Intent)
The Mission of the Henry H. Kessler Foundation
( http://www.hhkfdn.org/ ) is to improve the lives of
people with physical disabilities. The foundation does
this by supporting the research of Kessler Medical
Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation, by
engaging in activities to assist people with physical
disabilities, and by supporting the efforts of others
who serve people with physical disabilities.
People with disabilities have high rates of unemployment
and underemployment. In response to this problem, the
foundation adopted a new strategic direction in 2005
focused on increasing employment for people with dis-
abilities in New Jersey. The goal of the foundation's
Signature Employment Grant Program is to award funds that
support efforts to increase the number of individuals with
disabilities in community-based employment making a living
wage.
The program will support collaborative projects, pilot
initiatives, and new and creative programs that lead to
the employment of New Jersey citizens with physical
disabilities. The foundation is committed to identifying,
initiating, and funding allocations for funds through a
proposal process or through foundation-initiated projects.
A priority is placed on those programs which primarily
serve individuals with physical disabilities (65 percent
of project population), are collaborative, and use effec-
tive cost-sharing or multiple funding source techniques.
Foundation trustees are specifically interested in knowing
how the project will be judged effective and sustained
beyond the grant period.
The SEG funding cycle can be up to three years, beginning
January 1, 2007. Grants may range from $100,000 to
$500,000 per year and can include up to a 15 percent
budget allocation for indirect expenses. There is approx-
imately $1.5 million of funding available under this
program in 2006.
Applicants must be nonprofit organizations that are tax-
exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or
other IRS code.
For complete program guidelines and application
procedures, visit the Kessler Foundation Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000709/hhkfdn
For additional RFPs in Disability, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_disabled.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
7) Entergy Launches 2006 Environmental Stewardship Grant
Application Process
Deadline: March 10, 2006
Entergy Corporation ( http://www.entergy.com/ ), an
integrated energy company, is accepting applications for
the company's seventh annual Environmental Stewardship
Grant program. The program provides support to community-
based projects in Entergy's service area that address
energy efficiency and provide sustainable solutions that
preserve the environment. For 2006, the program will
award grants totaling $250,000, up from $150,000 last
year.
In considering requests for grants, priority is given to
programs in locations where Entergy has customers and/or
employees. Areas in the following states will receive
priority: Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Massachu-
setts, New Hampshire, New York, Texas, and Vermont.
(See the Entergy Web site for lists of specific counties
where Entergy has operations.)
To be eligible for this program, applicant organizations
must be established and have a mission or charter
consistent with improving the environment. Project should
improve or address a significant environmental need in
the region, and must show sustainable characteristics
with measurable results demonstrating lasting effects.
Grants typically range between $5,000 and $25,000.
However, more may be awarded for worthy projects.
Organizations can obtain grant guidelines and apply
online at the Entergy Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000710/entergy
For additional RFPs in Environment, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_environment.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
8) Nominations Invited for Rosalynn Carter Caregiving
Award
Deadline: March 1, 2006
The Rosalynn Carter Caregiving Award
( http://www.rci.gsw.edu/care_award.htm ) is presented
each year by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
to recognize an individual for leadership and innovation
in caregiving. The nominee may or may not represent or be
affiliated with an organization.
The recipient of the award shall clearly demonstrate
dedication to caring for persons who have mental ill-
nesses, physical illnesses, developmental disabilities,
or the difficulties of the frail elderly; encouragement
of collaboration and partnerships between all stakeholders
in the caregiving process; and the potential for develop-
ing or more effectively using financial, educational, and
human resources in these pursuits.
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter presents the recipient
with a statuette and a cash award of $2,500. The award
winner is invited to deliver an address at an educational
event sponsored by the RCI. Travel funds to accept the
award and deliver the address are provided.
Visit the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving Web
site for complete nomination guidelines.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000711/rci
For additional RFPs in Health, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_health.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
9) Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Launches Finding
Answers: Disparities Research for Change Grant
Program
Deadline: March 16, 2006 (Brief Proposals)
In an effort to improve the quality of health care for
all Americans, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
( http://www.rwjf.org/ ) is working to identify and
implement real-world solutions to eliminating the gaps
in care experienced by patients from racial and ethnic
minority populations. As part of this effort, RWJF has
released a Call for Proposals for a new program, Finding
Answers: Disparities Research for Change.
The three-year, $5 million program is a research and
tracking initiative that will focus on evaluating
approaches already underway in the field to reduce racial
and ethnic disparities in healthcare. Approximately
twenty-five grants will be made over the course of this
three-year period.
While the existence of racial and ethnic disparities in
health care is well documented, there is a shortage of
practical and effective solutions. Finding Answers seeks
to address this challenge by funding evaluations of
efforts that target the treatment of cardiovascular
disease, depression, and diabetes. These three diseases
were selected because the racial and ethnic disparities
in their treatment are significant and because there is
general consensus about the right way to care for these
illnesses.
Finding Answers seeks successful interventions that attack
different causes of disparities. Provider organizations
such as medical groups, hospitals, community health
centers as well as health plans and employers, community
organizations, and academic institutions are encouraged
to learn more about the Call for Proposals. Interventions
spanning the range from organization-wide quality improve-
ment initiatives to initiatives aimed at individual
providers and patients are eligible for funding.
Six to eight grants ranging between $50,000 and $300,000
will be awarded in October 2006.
The Finding Answers Call for Proposals is available online
at the RWJF Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000712/rwjf
For additional RFPs in Health, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_health.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
10) Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Seeks Nominees
for Professor of Survivorship Awards
Deadline: March 1, 2006
Nominations are being accepted for the Susan G. Komen
Breast Cancer Foundation's ( http://www.komen.org/ )
Professor of Survivorship awards, an honor that recognizes
extraordinary achievement in research and clinical work
specifically related to breast cancer survivorship.
The award, which was established by the Komen Foundation
in 1999, is granted each year to two individuals who have
distinguished themselves in research specific to long-term
breast cancer survivor issues or in work with survivors
that takes place in a clinical setting. Awardees are
appointed Komen Professors of Survivorship for a one-year
period, and each awardee receives a $20,000 honorarium to
advance their work.
The Komen Foundation established the Professor of
Survivorship awards in direct response to the growing
numbers of breast cancer survivors and to enhance under-
standing of psychosocial and physical health issues
related to survivorship. A specially appointed committee
of peers and breast cancer survivors selects the awardees.
Previous Komen Professor of Survivorship awardees have
been recognized for efforts ranging from authoring popular
books on survivorship issues to the establishment of Web
sites and other informational resources for survivors and
their families. The award also has helped to advance
academic research on the impact of treatment and psycho-
social distress experienced after treatment completion;
quality-of-life issues in minority communities; the impact
of cognitive disorders sometimes associated with treatment;
treatment of side effects such as weight gain; and the
potential benefits for survivors in making dietary adjust-
ments and following specially designed exercise programs.
visit the Komen Foundation Web site for application
criteria and/or to obtain a downloadable nomination form.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000713/komen
For additional RFPs in Health, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_health.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
11) American Indian Journalism Institute Accepting
Nominations
Deadline: March 31, 2006
The Freedom Forum ( http://www.freedomforum.org/ ) is
accepting nominations for the sixth annual American
Indian Journalism Institute, a training program for
Native American journalism students.
AIJI will take place at the Freedom Forum's Al Neuharth
Media Center and the University of South Dakota in
Vermillion June 4-23, 2006. Any Native American college
student with an interest in becoming a newspaper
journalist may apply.
Once accepted into the program, AIJI participants will
be placed in one of four courses according to their
interests and experience. Courses offered in 2006 will
include "Basic News Reporting," "Advanced News Reporting,"
"News Editing," and "Photojournalism."
The Freedom Forum will facilitate and fund the program.
Tuition, fees, books, room, and board are provided free
to enrollees.
To be eligible, Native students must have completed at
least one year of college. Applications for the program
will be accepted from new participants and from returning
AIJI students seeking specialized instruction.
Program graduates will earn four hours of college credit
from the University of South Dakota that students may
transfer to their current school. In addition, graduates
will receive a $500 stipend/scholarship from the Freedom
Forum, paid when the student resumes full-time classes
in the fall.
Top AIJI graduates will receive paid internships as
reporters, copy editors, and photographers at daily
newspapers and with the Associated Press for up to six
weeks during the summer. Graduates also will have the
opportunity to join the staff of http://www.reznetnews.org,
the online Native American college newspaper, as paid
journalists when they return to school.
AIJI administrators prefer that students be nominated by
educators, mentors, elders, or other interested parties.
Students may, however, nominate themselves.
Visit the Freedom Forum Web site for complete program
information and nomination procedures.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000714/freedomforum
For additional RFPs in Journalism/Media, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_journalism.jhtml
***************** ANNOUNCEMENT **********************
THE FOUNDATION DIRECTORY ONLINE
We have plans for your success.
Our BASIC subscription plan lets you search profiles of
the 10,000 largest U.S. foundations...PLUS also includes
our full grants database of half a million grants. PREMIUM
has profiles of the top 20,000 foundations and our full
grants database. PLATINUM features 80,000 grantmakers and
half a million grants. New PROFESSIONAL adds to all that a
fully text-searchable database of 250,000+ IRS 990s for
grantmakers, and unique funder portfolios...top-tier
intelligence on grantmakers and their grants!
Choose the plan that's best for you from just $19.95 a
month:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000723/fdo/plans
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
12) Asia Society Seeks Nominations for Osborn Elliott
Prize for Excellence in Asian Journalism
Deadline: March 1, 2006
The Asia Society ( http://www.asiasociety.org/ ), the
leading global organization working to strengthen
relationships and promote understanding among the people,
leaders, and institutions of Asia and the United States,
has announced that it is now seeking nominations for the
fourth annual Osborn Elliott Prize for Excellence in Asian
Journalism.
The Osborn Elliott Prize honors legendary journalist and
author Osborn Elliott, former editor-in-chief of Newsweek,
who set new standards for reporting and editing and became
one of the earliest practitioners of "civic journalism" --
the deliberate focusing of the journalistic enterprise on
urgent issues of public policy.
The $10,000 prize is awarded annually to a writer who has
produced the best example of journalism about Asia in
print or online during the calendar year. Criteria for
the prize include consideration for the impact of the
work, its originality, creativity, depth of research, and
educational value in informing the public about Asia. The
next winner of the "Oz Prize," for work produced in
English during the 2005 calendar year, will be announced
at a special program at the Asia Society in New York City
this spring.
An independent jury of distinguished writers, award-
winning journalists, and Asia-hands will review
nominations for the prize from both media organizations
and journalists. All nominations or direct applications
are limited to one per organization or journalist.
For the purposes of this award, "Asia" is termed as
defined by the Asia Society, comprising countries from
Iran eastward to and including Australia and New Zealand.
It does not include the Arab Middle East.
Visit the Asia Society Web site for complete program
information.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000715/asiasociety
For additional RFPs in Journalism/Media, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_journalism.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
13) Entries Invited for Casey Medals for Meritorious
Journalism
Deadline: March 1, 2006
The Casey Medals for Meritorious Journalism are designed
to inspire and recognize exemplary reporting on children
and families. The Casey Journalism Center on Children and
Families ( http://www.casey.umd.edu/ ), which presents
the awards, is devoted to deepening the media coverage of
social issues that affect children and families, particu-
larly the disadvantaged. The awards are funded by the
Annie E. Casey Foundation ( http://www.aecf.org/ ).
Winning stories will be well-crafted, illuminate complex
issues, and contribute to public awareness. Judging is
conducted by a panel of prominent journalists and
journalism educators.
First-place winners in fourteen categories will receive
$1,000 and will be honored at a luncheon in Washington,
D.C.; runners-up and honorable mentions will be recog-
nized with certificates of merit.
All work must be published or aired in the United States
between January 1, and December 31, 2005. Work must
focus on children and families in the United States. A
contestant or team of contestants may submit only one
entry per category per contest period. Entries in
languages other than English require complete transla-
tions. If a team wins a first-place award, authors share
the $1,000 equally.
Visit the CJC Web site for complete awards program
information.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000716/casey/umd
For additional RFPs in Journalism/Media, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_journalism.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
14) Open Society Institute Announces Katrina Media
Fellowships
Deadline: March 31, 2006
The Open Society Institute ( http://www.soros.org/ ) has
announced a fellowship competition in response to critical
issues exposed by Hurricane Katrina. By supporting in-
depth journalism and media projects, OSI aims to stimulate
and sustain a national conversation on these issues.
The Katrina Media Fellowships will support dynamic print
and radio journalists, photographers, and documentary
filmmakers in the creation, and improvement, of media
coverage of issues exposed by Katrina. Applicants should
propose projects that will expand and deepen the public's
understanding of race and class inequalities in the United
States. Applicants may also propose projects that will
address the government's response to problems caused or
illuminated by Katrina, the use or misuse of public funds,
the role of private contractors, the effectiveness of
clean-up and rebuilding efforts, citizen involvement in
these efforts, and lessons learned that should inform
the handling of future natural and man-made disasters.
In addition, applicants may propose projects that draw
attention to OSI's current or past programmatic priori-
ties, using Katrina as the frame. These priorities include
access to legal services and government assistance,
criminal justice reform, improving end of life care, and
access to healthcare and education reform.
OSI expects to award twelve to fifteen one-year fellow-
ships. Fellows will receive between $15,000 and $35,000
to carry out projects in print, radio, photography, and
documentary film and video production. Award amounts
will cover a stipend and project expenses and will vary
depending on the project duration, medium, and costs
involved. The fellowship term begins June 15, 2006.
Applicants must be mid-career or veteran print or radio
journalists, photographers, or documentary filmmakers with
proven track records as serious media-makers. OSI will
give special consideration to applicants who have been
displaced from or are residents of the Gulf Coast region.
The Katrina Media Fellowships are a one-time competition
and will not be offered in subsequent years.
Fellowship guidelines and application instructions are
available at the OSI Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000717/soros
For additional RFPs in Journalism/Media, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_journalism.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
15) Caring for Carcinoid Foundation Seeks Research
Proposals
Deadline: March 1, 2006 (Letter of Intent)
The 2006 Request for Proposal from the Caring for
Carcinoid Foundation ( http://caringforcarcinoid.org/ ),
the leading nonprofit funder of carcinoid research, is
now available online.
The mission of the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation is
to discover a cure for carcinoid. The foundation believes
in making rapid advances in the battle against carcinoid,
and seeks to award research grants to scientists whose
work will unlock the genetic causes of carcinoid and lead
to new, genetically targeted therapies.
Specifically, the foundation funds research that builds
on novel ideas; applies cutting-edge technology; leverages
insights from related cancers, such as pancreatic endo-
crine cancer; fosters collaboration between scientists and
institutions; and demonstrates the potential to expand
in scope and attract additional support, particularly from
the NIH.
The purpose of this Request for Proposal is to fund
scientists who will accelerate our search for a carcinoid
cure. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed
research will align with the foundation's Research Road
Map ( http://www.caringforcarcinoid.org/research/researchroadmap.asp ).
Applicants must also demonstrate how they will use
performance metrics to track their rapid progress in
contributing to a carcinoid cure.
Applicants must have an M.D., Ph.D., or equivalent degree
and be sponsored by a nonprofit institution, as defined
by Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
The program will award $50,000 to $150,000 per year, for
a minimum of two years. Funds may only be used for per-
sonnel salaries, supplies, equipment, and/or services.
Use of funds for institutional overhead costs is strictly
prohibited.
The complete 2006 Request for Proposals is available at
the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000718/carcinoid
For additional RFPs in Medical Research, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_medical_research.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
16) San Francisco Foundation Invites Entries for Community
Leadership Awards
Deadline: March 1, 2006
The San Francisco Foundation ( http://www.sff.org/ )
Community Leadership Awards recognize individuals and
organizations whose leadership has made a significant
impact in their particular Bay Area communities. This
work may confront social or health problems, address
environmental concerns, or promote arts and humanities.
One of the four awards is designated for an under-
recognized, mature artist who has made a significant and
ongoing contribution in the Bay Area. Artists from the
performing, literary, media, and visual arts, including
craft, folk, and traditional forms, will be considered.
Individuals receive $10,000 awards, while organizations
are awarded $20,000. Individuals and nonprofit organiza-
tions in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco,
and San Mateo counties are eligible to apply.
Individuals from all sectors are eligible for these awards.
Nominations for emerging and innovative leadership as well
as for longstanding accomplishments are encouraged.
For additional information about the program and the
nomination process, visit the SFF Web site.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000719/sff
For additional RFPs in Philanthropy and Voluntarism,
visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_philanthropy.jhtml
------------------------<<>>--------------------------
17) William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for
Minority Students Accepting Applications
Deadline: February 15, 2006 and July 15, 2006
The Nonprofit Sector Research Fund ( http://nsrf.org/ ),
a grantmaking program of the Aspen Institute
( http://www.aspeninstitute.org/ ) in Washington, D.C.,
is accepting applications for the William Randolph Hearst
Endowed Fellowship.
The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and
need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students
who are members of minority groups. The Hearst Fellow
serves as an intern with the fund. Through the program,
the fund seeks to introduce a diverse group of students
to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and
nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their
colleges or universities to receive academic credit for
this experience. In his or her internship, the Hearst
Fellow undertakes general research and program support
for the fund's grantmaking and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly
motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student
from an underrepresented community. She or he should have
an excellent academic record and also have the following:
outstanding research skills; a background in the social
sciences or humanities; excellent writing and communica-
tion skills; demonstrated financial need; and American
citizenship.
The student must be able to intern for ten to fifteen
weeks at the Washington, D.C., office of the Aspen Insti-
tute. A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000
will be awarded, depending on the recipient's educational
level, financial need, and time commitment.
For the Summer 2006 internship, the deadline is February
15, 2006; for the Fall 2006 internship, the deadline is
July 15, 2006.
See the Nonprofit Research Fund Web site for complete
program information and application procedures.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000720/nonprofitresearch
For additional RFPs in Philanthropy and Voluntarism, visit:
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_philanthropy.jhtml
::::::::::::::::: THIS WEEK IN PND ::::::::::::::::::
NEWSMAKER: Stephen Heintz, president, Rockefeller Brothers
Fund
PND spoke to the president of the Rockefeller Brothers
Fund about the role of philanthropy in an increasingly
interdependent world, risk and the concept of failure in
a philanthropic context, and the importance of leadership
in a time of rapid change.
To read the complete interview, visit:
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/10000727/nm/heintz
::::::::::::::::: ON THE BOARDS ::::::::::::::::::
The PND message boards are open, and we're talking about
cultivating funders, the overlap of grantwriting/program
planning, founders' syndrome, ethical codes for a board
of directors, and more.
Stop by and share your thoughts. Or start a new thread:
http://members4.boardhost.com/PNDtalk/
http://members5.boardhost.com/ARTStalk/
:::::::::::::::: PND ON THE WEB ::::::::::::::::::
* Classifieds
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/classifieds/
* Conference Calendar
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/calendar/
* Connections
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/connections/
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/connections/conn_arch.jhtml
* Job Corner
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/jobs/
* Message Boards
http://members4.boardhost.com/PNDtalk/
http://members5.boardhost.com/ARTStalk/
* Newsmakers
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/newsmakers/
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/newsmakers/nwsmkr_arch.jhtml
* NPO Spotlight
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/spotlight/
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/spotlight/arch.jhtml
* Off the Shelf
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/offtheshelf/
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/offtheshelf/ots_arch.jhtml
* On the Web
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/ontheweb/
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/ontheweb/otw_arch.jhtml
posted by WyHIO at 7:51 AM
0 comments
Information Links - RWJF narrative
InformationLinks:
Connecting Public Health with Health Information Exchanges
Proposal Narrative
Organization: Wyoming Health Information Organization
BACKGROUND
In 2003 the Wyoming Legislature created the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (WHCC) and in 2004 passed Enrolled Act 31 directing the Commission to create an Information Technology Technical Management Subcommittee (IT2) to study and paln for a statewide electronic health records inmplementation by Oct. 15, 2005.
John Snow, Inc (JSI) was selected by WHCC and IT2 to assess Wyoming’s electronic health records readinsess and make recommendations for rapidly increasing the utilization to access patient health information. On June 29, 2005 as part of the IT2’s vision resulting from the JSI study process – the WHCC recommended to Governor Dave Freudenthal and the Legislature’s Joint Interim Labor, Helath and SOcial Services COmmittee that Wyoming form a self-sustaining regional health information organization (RHIO) to facilitate an intrastate, regional interstate and national federal partnership for the rapid deployment of Wyomings’ electronic health information.
On July 18, 2005, in Casper – the center of Wyoming – more than 50 representatives of local, state and federal governement, business, medical care providers and healthcare purchasers and payers gathered and agreed to form a RHIO to ready Wyoming for health information technology standards, funding and implementation assistance.Memorandums of Understanding were immediately submitted by a majority of the attendees and a second meeting was held Aug. 11 to nem the RHIO (now being registered with the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office and the Internal Revenue as the nonprofit Wyoming Health Information Organization (WYHIO). The stakeholders
chose on that night an interim board of directors representing a broad cross-section of the state’s investors in the healthcare delivery system. A consensus was reached that the WYHIO can serve as the catalyst for the facilitation of health information technology demonstration projects, can foster collaboration on electronic health information infrastructure and will evaluate and endorse projects and processes that will integrate with the health information network.
The WYHIO’s 7 interim board members are:
Dr. Geoffrey Smith, Casper radiologist (chairman)
Dr. Robert Fagnant, Rock Springs Obstetrician-Gynecologist (provider representative)
Lee Clabots, Deputy Director Wyoming Department of Health (state government representative)
Andrew Fisher, Assistant Director Great West Life and Health (payer representative)
Dana Barnett, Director, Outreach Services, United Medical Center
Steve Chasson, Director, Wyoming Primary Care Association (provider representative)
Larry Madsen, Vice President Blcak Hills Bentonite (purchaser representative)
Carol Jenkins, Buffalo Healthcare Delivery Systems Consultant (WHCC
ex-officio)
Stakeholders who have signed Memorandums of Understanding:
Community Health Center of Central Wyoming
Ivinson Memorial Hospital
Johnson County Healthcare Center
MBA of Wyoming
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County
Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation
Niobrara Life and Health Center
West Park Hospital
Jack Webb, IT Director
WIN Health Partners
Wyoming Department of Health
Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association
Wyoming Medical Center
Wyoming Medical Society
Wyoming Primary Care Association
Wyoming Rural Development Council
Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy
VISION
Currently, the U.S. health care system is highly fragmented and paper-based, with critical information about the patient stored in a variety of forms across hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, physician offices, and administrative data systems within health plans. Wyoming is no different and as a result of this current state, clinicians often don’t have comprehensive information about the patient when and where it is needed most—at the point of care.
At the same time, reports from a wide range of philanthropic, private sector and non-profit organizations, as well as several agencies in the public sector, recognize the value of health information technology and the mobilization of data in addressing the quality, safety and efficiency challenges in the U.S. health care system. Interest has now turned to the development of policies and practices for accelerating the effective implementation and use of such systems in a way that will assure that expected quality, safety and efficiency of outcomes will be achieved.
There are over 100 emerging state, regional and community-based initiatives focused on the mobilization of health care information across organizations within their respective locales. Based on a survey conducted by eHealth Initiative in December 2004, such initiatives are in a wide range of readiness states. It is the goal and vision of WYHIO to become the catalyst in Wyoming to this information exchange by enabling:
1. Anytime, anywhere health care information and decision support.
2. Immediate availability of complete medical record (compiled from all sources)
3. Up-to-Date decision support at any point of care
4. Selective reporting (e.g. for public health)
5. Use of tools to facilitate delivery of care (e.g. e-prescribing)
6. Allow patients to control acccess to their information
7. Align/direct incentives to those who create value
8. Allow each care facility to maintain its own data
9. Minimize cost(s) and risk
10. Use proven implementation strategies where appropriate.
Wyoming is the 10th largest state in area but is least popluated in the nation. It includes within its borders an area of 97,818 miles. Winter weather is harsh and roads are often unpassable or closed due to storms. This makes the delivery of health a challenge a best. A patient who is admitted at one point of care often needs to be transferred to another facility or city where appropriate treatment is offered. Time is of the essence especially when critical situations arise, and often a patient must be transferred without a complete medical record because it is not accessible on short notice. The receiving caregiver is at a disadvantage without a complete medical history to provide the needed treatment. Lifesaving treatment may be interrupted untill records are recieved There is also the issue of unnecessary tests or duplicate tests being performed because previous results are not readily available to the caregiver. In bottom-line terms, the WYHIO can save lives and incredible amounts of money. A recent Vanderbilt University study indicated that a 600-bed hospital participating in a RHIO could save up to $5.6 million per year. These savings are a direct result of: Decreased number of duplicate laboratory tests (e.g. blood work, samples). Decreased number of duplicate radiology tests (e.g. x-rays, MRIs). Reduced number of in-patient hospitalizations. Fewer patient visits to the emergency department.
OBJECTIVES/KEY ACTIVITIES
A strategic business plan must be developed and maintained by the WYHIO and a team responsible for soliciting and managing funds must be formed and sustained. A technology plan that describes the technology infrastructure, support requirements, and phased build-out through iterative steps must be defined and supported. Revenue models for all initiatives must be defined, approved, and implemented. An Executive Director/Chief Information officer will be hired who will report directly to the board. This person must posess a variety ofhigh-levelskills in organizational development and leaderhsip, communications, decision-making, and health information technology. This person will be key to the development of health information technology initiatives of the WYHIO. One project director will be hired in the first year and will report to the Executive Director/CIO. One administrative support staff will also be hired in the first year and will be responsible for administrative and secretarial support to the WYHIO staff. A Systems Analyst will be hired in the first year also who will have the responsibility of to research and assist in developing plans, specifications, RFP’s and other documents for the information exchange intitiatives of WYHIO.
TARGET POPULATION
Recognizing that some Wyoming residents work in the mines of surrounding states, and conversely, residents of other states work in the mines of Wyoming this is one population that would benefit greatly from an electronic health record. There is an energy boom affecting the state at this time that is comprise of a largely transient population who do not have primary care physicians. The main target popluation of the WYHIO is every resident in the state of approx 500,000, as they are all potential patients of the healthcare system. Due to a larger proportion of the baby-boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1962), Wyoming’s population is aging rapidly. In 2000, the median age of 36.2 in the state passed the national average of 35.3. It will be particularly intensified in about ten years as this age cohort reaches retirement, which will create possible labor shortages and increased demand for health and social services.
LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT
Describe the organizational roles and qualifications of applicant agency personnel that will participate. Include level of time commitment (FTE) that these personnel will devote to the planning process and the roles they will play in that process. Discuss the role of the agency’s chief executive. Also, describe plans to continue participation in the health information exchange after the grant.
xxxxxx (your response goes here) xxxxxx
COLLABORATION
NOTE: A letter of support from the head (e.g. health officer) of the applying organization must be mailed to the Program Office. In addition, organizations applying on behalf of a state or local public health agency must supply a letter of support from that agency (or agencies). Letters of support from collaborating partners should also be mailed to the Program Office. See instructions on “Additional Documents Screen�.
List here the names of the collaborating organizations (health departments and members of the health information exchange) from whom we should expect to receive letters of support.
Please describe any collaborative relationships or arrangements related to this proposal, i.e. between local health departments and state health departments or between these health departments and the health information exchange. Discuss your agency’s role in such collaborations and in any other activities related to health information technology in your state. Also include any past successful collaborative efforts with these partners. Please include details on past collaborations.
xxxxxx (your response goes here) xxxxxx
READINESS OF THE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Please describe the degree to which the health information exchange has developed to provide a valuable opportunity for public health agencies to participate. What is the breadth of participation and the level of commitment on the part of the key stakeholders? Has the exchange developed a governance structure? What is the extent of its funding? For example, has the exchange received federal grants or contracts from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the Foundation for eHealth Initiative’s Connecting Communities for Better Health program? Have specific data sharing projects been planned or initiated? Has a business plan or multi-year strategic plan been completed?
xxxxxx (your response goes here) xxxxxx
CHALLENGES
The data gathering conducted by JSI has facilitated the compilation of a number of constraints that must be addressed by the recommendations put forward above and during the coming phases of this project. • There is a wide and significant variation across the State with regard to level of exposure to, understanding and adoption of health information technology (HIT) across all types of provider entities: physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, and public health facilities. There is a very limited pool of HIT technical staff resources available to support providers in the acquisition, installation and maintenance of such systems. Of those organizations that have implemented some level of HIT, administrative systems are typically installed first and clinical information systems tend to be a secondary consideration. A very wide range of views exists with regard to the potential benefits and opportunities for implementing and utilizing HIT to improve the quality of healthcare services provided. Across both the physician and hospital segments, groups are looking to the State of Wyoming for guidance with regard to standards and/or “preferred vendor solutions� Broad resistance to the idea of mandated HIT implementation exists across the State. Expectation that appropriate incentives should be provided (mainly financial), in order to support the cost of implementing and sustaining HIT, particularly among the smaller physician practices in the State. Some resistance to the idea of creating a “centralized database of personal health information� exists. Opportunities exist to simultaneously develop both broad, statewide HIT initiatives, as well as those that are focused on HIT in local communities. Moving forward with HIT efforts in the State will require the constant and consistent attention of a central, coordinating organization working with multiple stakeholders.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Summarize any special features that make your application unique and innovative. Describe how your project may serve as a model for other health departments.
Connecting Public Health with Health Information Exchanges
Proposal Narrative
Organization: Wyoming Health Information Organization
BACKGROUND
In 2003 the Wyoming Legislature created the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (WHCC) and in 2004 passed Enrolled Act 31 directing the Commission to create an Information Technology Technical Management Subcommittee (IT2) to study and paln for a statewide electronic health records inmplementation by Oct. 15, 2005.
John Snow, Inc (JSI) was selected by WHCC and IT2 to assess Wyoming’s electronic health records readinsess and make recommendations for rapidly increasing the utilization to access patient health information. On June 29, 2005 as part of the IT2’s vision resulting from the JSI study process – the WHCC recommended to Governor Dave Freudenthal and the Legislature’s Joint Interim Labor, Helath and SOcial Services COmmittee that Wyoming form a self-sustaining regional health information organization (RHIO) to facilitate an intrastate, regional interstate and national federal partnership for the rapid deployment of Wyomings’ electronic health information.
On July 18, 2005, in Casper – the center of Wyoming – more than 50 representatives of local, state and federal governement, business, medical care providers and healthcare purchasers and payers gathered and agreed to form a RHIO to ready Wyoming for health information technology standards, funding and implementation assistance.Memorandums of Understanding were immediately submitted by a majority of the attendees and a second meeting was held Aug. 11 to nem the RHIO (now being registered with the Wyoming Secretary of State’s Office and the Internal Revenue as the nonprofit Wyoming Health Information Organization (WYHIO). The stakeholders
chose on that night an interim board of directors representing a broad cross-section of the state’s investors in the healthcare delivery system. A consensus was reached that the WYHIO can serve as the catalyst for the facilitation of health information technology demonstration projects, can foster collaboration on electronic health information infrastructure and will evaluate and endorse projects and processes that will integrate with the health information network.
The WYHIO’s 7 interim board members are:
Dr. Geoffrey Smith, Casper radiologist (chairman)
Dr. Robert Fagnant, Rock Springs Obstetrician-Gynecologist (provider representative)
Lee Clabots, Deputy Director Wyoming Department of Health (state government representative)
Andrew Fisher, Assistant Director Great West Life and Health (payer representative)
Dana Barnett, Director, Outreach Services, United Medical Center
Steve Chasson, Director, Wyoming Primary Care Association (provider representative)
Larry Madsen, Vice President Blcak Hills Bentonite (purchaser representative)
Carol Jenkins, Buffalo Healthcare Delivery Systems Consultant (WHCC
ex-officio)
Stakeholders who have signed Memorandums of Understanding:
Community Health Center of Central Wyoming
Ivinson Memorial Hospital
Johnson County Healthcare Center
MBA of Wyoming
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County
Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation
Niobrara Life and Health Center
West Park Hospital
Jack Webb, IT Director
WIN Health Partners
Wyoming Department of Health
Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association
Wyoming Medical Center
Wyoming Medical Society
Wyoming Primary Care Association
Wyoming Rural Development Council
Wyoming State Board of Pharmacy
VISION
Currently, the U.S. health care system is highly fragmented and paper-based, with critical information about the patient stored in a variety of forms across hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, physician offices, and administrative data systems within health plans. Wyoming is no different and as a result of this current state, clinicians often don’t have comprehensive information about the patient when and where it is needed most—at the point of care.
At the same time, reports from a wide range of philanthropic, private sector and non-profit organizations, as well as several agencies in the public sector, recognize the value of health information technology and the mobilization of data in addressing the quality, safety and efficiency challenges in the U.S. health care system. Interest has now turned to the development of policies and practices for accelerating the effective implementation and use of such systems in a way that will assure that expected quality, safety and efficiency of outcomes will be achieved.
There are over 100 emerging state, regional and community-based initiatives focused on the mobilization of health care information across organizations within their respective locales. Based on a survey conducted by eHealth Initiative in December 2004, such initiatives are in a wide range of readiness states. It is the goal and vision of WYHIO to become the catalyst in Wyoming to this information exchange by enabling:
1. Anytime, anywhere health care information and decision support.
2. Immediate availability of complete medical record (compiled from all sources)
3. Up-to-Date decision support at any point of care
4. Selective reporting (e.g. for public health)
5. Use of tools to facilitate delivery of care (e.g. e-prescribing)
6. Allow patients to control acccess to their information
7. Align/direct incentives to those who create value
8. Allow each care facility to maintain its own data
9. Minimize cost(s) and risk
10. Use proven implementation strategies where appropriate.
Wyoming is the 10th largest state in area but is least popluated in the nation. It includes within its borders an area of 97,818 miles. Winter weather is harsh and roads are often unpassable or closed due to storms. This makes the delivery of health a challenge a best. A patient who is admitted at one point of care often needs to be transferred to another facility or city where appropriate treatment is offered. Time is of the essence especially when critical situations arise, and often a patient must be transferred without a complete medical record because it is not accessible on short notice. The receiving caregiver is at a disadvantage without a complete medical history to provide the needed treatment. Lifesaving treatment may be interrupted untill records are recieved There is also the issue of unnecessary tests or duplicate tests being performed because previous results are not readily available to the caregiver. In bottom-line terms, the WYHIO can save lives and incredible amounts of money. A recent Vanderbilt University study indicated that a 600-bed hospital participating in a RHIO could save up to $5.6 million per year. These savings are a direct result of: Decreased number of duplicate laboratory tests (e.g. blood work, samples). Decreased number of duplicate radiology tests (e.g. x-rays, MRIs). Reduced number of in-patient hospitalizations. Fewer patient visits to the emergency department.
OBJECTIVES/KEY ACTIVITIES
A strategic business plan must be developed and maintained by the WYHIO and a team responsible for soliciting and managing funds must be formed and sustained. A technology plan that describes the technology infrastructure, support requirements, and phased build-out through iterative steps must be defined and supported. Revenue models for all initiatives must be defined, approved, and implemented. An Executive Director/Chief Information officer will be hired who will report directly to the board. This person must posess a variety ofhigh-levelskills in organizational development and leaderhsip, communications, decision-making, and health information technology. This person will be key to the development of health information technology initiatives of the WYHIO. One project director will be hired in the first year and will report to the Executive Director/CIO. One administrative support staff will also be hired in the first year and will be responsible for administrative and secretarial support to the WYHIO staff. A Systems Analyst will be hired in the first year also who will have the responsibility of to research and assist in developing plans, specifications, RFP’s and other documents for the information exchange intitiatives of WYHIO.
TARGET POPULATION
Recognizing that some Wyoming residents work in the mines of surrounding states, and conversely, residents of other states work in the mines of Wyoming this is one population that would benefit greatly from an electronic health record. There is an energy boom affecting the state at this time that is comprise of a largely transient population who do not have primary care physicians. The main target popluation of the WYHIO is every resident in the state of approx 500,000, as they are all potential patients of the healthcare system. Due to a larger proportion of the baby-boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1962), Wyoming’s population is aging rapidly. In 2000, the median age of 36.2 in the state passed the national average of 35.3. It will be particularly intensified in about ten years as this age cohort reaches retirement, which will create possible labor shortages and increased demand for health and social services.
LEADERSHIP AND COMMITMENT
Describe the organizational roles and qualifications of applicant agency personnel that will participate. Include level of time commitment (FTE) that these personnel will devote to the planning process and the roles they will play in that process. Discuss the role of the agency’s chief executive. Also, describe plans to continue participation in the health information exchange after the grant.
xxxxxx (your response goes here) xxxxxx
COLLABORATION
NOTE: A letter of support from the head (e.g. health officer) of the applying organization must be mailed to the Program Office. In addition, organizations applying on behalf of a state or local public health agency must supply a letter of support from that agency (or agencies). Letters of support from collaborating partners should also be mailed to the Program Office. See instructions on “Additional Documents Screen�.
List here the names of the collaborating organizations (health departments and members of the health information exchange) from whom we should expect to receive letters of support.
Please describe any collaborative relationships or arrangements related to this proposal, i.e. between local health departments and state health departments or between these health departments and the health information exchange. Discuss your agency’s role in such collaborations and in any other activities related to health information technology in your state. Also include any past successful collaborative efforts with these partners. Please include details on past collaborations.
xxxxxx (your response goes here) xxxxxx
READINESS OF THE HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Please describe the degree to which the health information exchange has developed to provide a valuable opportunity for public health agencies to participate. What is the breadth of participation and the level of commitment on the part of the key stakeholders? Has the exchange developed a governance structure? What is the extent of its funding? For example, has the exchange received federal grants or contracts from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality or the Foundation for eHealth Initiative’s Connecting Communities for Better Health program? Have specific data sharing projects been planned or initiated? Has a business plan or multi-year strategic plan been completed?
xxxxxx (your response goes here) xxxxxx
CHALLENGES
The data gathering conducted by JSI has facilitated the compilation of a number of constraints that must be addressed by the recommendations put forward above and during the coming phases of this project. • There is a wide and significant variation across the State with regard to level of exposure to, understanding and adoption of health information technology (HIT) across all types of provider entities: physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, and public health facilities. There is a very limited pool of HIT technical staff resources available to support providers in the acquisition, installation and maintenance of such systems. Of those organizations that have implemented some level of HIT, administrative systems are typically installed first and clinical information systems tend to be a secondary consideration. A very wide range of views exists with regard to the potential benefits and opportunities for implementing and utilizing HIT to improve the quality of healthcare services provided. Across both the physician and hospital segments, groups are looking to the State of Wyoming for guidance with regard to standards and/or “preferred vendor solutions� Broad resistance to the idea of mandated HIT implementation exists across the State. Expectation that appropriate incentives should be provided (mainly financial), in order to support the cost of implementing and sustaining HIT, particularly among the smaller physician practices in the State. Some resistance to the idea of creating a “centralized database of personal health information� exists. Opportunities exist to simultaneously develop both broad, statewide HIT initiatives, as well as those that are focused on HIT in local communities. Moving forward with HIT efforts in the State will require the constant and consistent attention of a central, coordinating organization working with multiple stakeholders.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Summarize any special features that make your application unique and innovative. Describe how your project may serve as a model for other health departments.
posted by WyHIO at 7:29 AM
0 comments
ePrescribing Concept Paper
Wyoming Health Information Organization
PFHSE Excellence in Practice
Concept Paper â–ª January 31, 2006
Background and Need Wyoming presents a unique blend of geographies that encompass wide-open rangeland, towering mountains, monumental national parks, and weather extremes to match. Due in part to this unique geography, Wyoming, with approximately 500,000 people spread over a little under 100,000 square miles, is one of the most sparsely populated states in the nation. As such, access to needed medical services can be a significant challenge. With the objective of utilizing technology to exchange healthcare information, collaborative healthcare partners have sought to improve the quality and access to healthcare by achieving such goals as fewer hospital admissions from the emergency department, fewer readmissions, reduction in medical errors, shortened hospital length of stay, enhanced revenue from proper coding, and test duplication avoidance.
In 2003, the Wyoming Legislature created the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (WHCC) to develop strategies to improve health care and reduce health care costs for Wyoming citizens. In 2004, the legislature passed Enrolled Act 31, directing the Commission to create an Information Technology Technical Management Subcommittee (IT2) to study and plan for statewide interoperable electronic health records (EHR) implementation by Oct. 15, 2005. John Snow, Inc. (JSI) was selected by WHCC and IT2 to assess Wyoming’s electronic health records readiness and make recommendations for rapidly increasing the utilization of technology to access patient health information. In the summer of 2005 more than 50 representatives of local, state and federal government, business, medical care providers, and healthcare purchasers and payers gathered and formed the nonprofit Wyoming Health Information Organization (WYHIO).The stakeholders chose an interim board of directors representing a broad cross-section of interests in the state’s healthcare delivery system. WYHIO is positioned to evaluate and endorse projects and processes that will integrate with the unfolding Wyoming health information network. The WyHIO sees ePrescribing as a high-priority initiative and need for Wyoming given the high number of real-world models demonstrating an excellent return on physician, pharmacy and patient time investments.
As part of the EHR feasibility study, feedback was gathered from key stakeholder interviews and from focus groups held throughout the state, Wyoming physicians view electronic prescribing as the single most popular and acceptable medical computing application. Many of them also view it as potentially the most valuable first step toward medical practice automation. Even providers who do not see any immediate value for a full-scale electronic medical record in their practice tend to be enthusiastic about the advantages of electronic prescribing because it promises to reduce some of their office workload.According to the Wyoming Board of Medicine, there are 801 registered physicians in the state of Wyoming. The Wyoming Board of Pharmacy lists 139 registered pharmacies. Of the thousands of prescriptions filled every month, many require direct contact between the pharmacy and the provider who signs the prescription for clarification, confirmation or to complete missing information. In addition, thousands of refill requests need to be processed by pharmacies and physician offices, requiring another round of communication. The overall prescribing process can be cumbersome and time consuming. One Wyoming primary care physician recently estimated receipt of 20 telephone messages on average per day about prescriptions he has written.
The WyHIO ePrescribing Initiative is needed to increase efficiency, accuracy and appropriateness of medication to benefit patients, physicians, pharmacists and payers. ePrescribing is a major step to the statewide interoperable electronic health records implementation.
Purpose of Project To facilitate adoption of technology in the physician office, a statewide e-Prescribing initiative is proposed, beginning with a pilot implementation to demonstrate viability. Physicians and allied health professionals participating in the initiative will send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies through personal computers, PDAs or tablet devices. The practitioner will have the ability to review drug interactions, review formulary requirements and access a disease reference database. The WyHIO will assist the practices in installation of the system, training, matching incentives and ongoing support.
While significant technical, legal and operational issues need to be resolved before a national electronic prescribing plan goes into effect, developing such systems for electronic prescribing is a national and state priority. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173) specifies the development of national standards for enabling the exchange of basic prescription data to and from prescribers and pharmacists, as well as standards for information exchanged about a patient's drug utilization history, possible drug interactions, the drug plan (including information about the formulary and cost-sharing), and information about lower-cost therapeutically appropriate alternatives.
Description of Project The system is designed to prevent medical errors due to illegible handwriting, decrease the need for time consuming telephone communications between the pharmacy and prescriber, and improve the turn around time filling prescriptions at the pharmacy.
The project will establish the baseline of preferred drug list use and use of generic drugs in the Medicaid program prior to initiating the project and will analyze these measures after adoption of e-Prescribing. These measurements will be made at 6 months (after an initial pilot), and after a prescriber has used the system for at least a full year after the rollout of the statewide project. Provider adoption will be tracked at the same intervals using a survey process to assess characteristics of early adopters.
Impact Sponsoring an ePrescribing initiative will streamline the prescription process by integrating payers, pharmacies, and providers. ePrescribing is being widely implemented through regional initiatives and is supported by accepted HIT standards. An ePrescribing system represents a low risk/high reward opportunity relative to other initiatives that may be considered.
Transmitting drug prescriptions electronically to pharmacies has been shown to reduce errors caused by handwriting and reduce the considerable time currently expended between pharmacies and prescribers in clarifying prescription information. In addition, with the cumulative electronic collection of prescription information, it is possible to develop a history of all medications that have been dispensed for an identified patient. This permits automated checking of interactions between drugs – a vitally important patient safety process. Moreover, accurate medication lists can be time and even lifesaving at the point of patient care.
Further, drug utilization data can be valuable for disease management of chronic conditions, and is indispensable information for measuring costs of care. Other uses of accurate patient medication lists include facilitating drug alerts and recalls, and identifying prescription drug abuse. Payers, who administer formularies with different coverage for different drugs can expect greater compliance when coverage information is available at the time of prescribing. JSI received positive feedback on ePrescribing from groups of physicians and pharmacists in Wyoming, who tend to view electronic prescribing as potentially delivering significant efficiencies for their daily practices.
PFHSE Excellence in Practice
Concept Paper â–ª January 31, 2006
Background and Need Wyoming presents a unique blend of geographies that encompass wide-open rangeland, towering mountains, monumental national parks, and weather extremes to match. Due in part to this unique geography, Wyoming, with approximately 500,000 people spread over a little under 100,000 square miles, is one of the most sparsely populated states in the nation. As such, access to needed medical services can be a significant challenge. With the objective of utilizing technology to exchange healthcare information, collaborative healthcare partners have sought to improve the quality and access to healthcare by achieving such goals as fewer hospital admissions from the emergency department, fewer readmissions, reduction in medical errors, shortened hospital length of stay, enhanced revenue from proper coding, and test duplication avoidance.
In 2003, the Wyoming Legislature created the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (WHCC) to develop strategies to improve health care and reduce health care costs for Wyoming citizens. In 2004, the legislature passed Enrolled Act 31, directing the Commission to create an Information Technology Technical Management Subcommittee (IT2) to study and plan for statewide interoperable electronic health records (EHR) implementation by Oct. 15, 2005. John Snow, Inc. (JSI) was selected by WHCC and IT2 to assess Wyoming’s electronic health records readiness and make recommendations for rapidly increasing the utilization of technology to access patient health information. In the summer of 2005 more than 50 representatives of local, state and federal government, business, medical care providers, and healthcare purchasers and payers gathered and formed the nonprofit Wyoming Health Information Organization (WYHIO).The stakeholders chose an interim board of directors representing a broad cross-section of interests in the state’s healthcare delivery system. WYHIO is positioned to evaluate and endorse projects and processes that will integrate with the unfolding Wyoming health information network. The WyHIO sees ePrescribing as a high-priority initiative and need for Wyoming given the high number of real-world models demonstrating an excellent return on physician, pharmacy and patient time investments.
As part of the EHR feasibility study, feedback was gathered from key stakeholder interviews and from focus groups held throughout the state, Wyoming physicians view electronic prescribing as the single most popular and acceptable medical computing application. Many of them also view it as potentially the most valuable first step toward medical practice automation. Even providers who do not see any immediate value for a full-scale electronic medical record in their practice tend to be enthusiastic about the advantages of electronic prescribing because it promises to reduce some of their office workload.According to the Wyoming Board of Medicine, there are 801 registered physicians in the state of Wyoming. The Wyoming Board of Pharmacy lists 139 registered pharmacies. Of the thousands of prescriptions filled every month, many require direct contact between the pharmacy and the provider who signs the prescription for clarification, confirmation or to complete missing information. In addition, thousands of refill requests need to be processed by pharmacies and physician offices, requiring another round of communication. The overall prescribing process can be cumbersome and time consuming. One Wyoming primary care physician recently estimated receipt of 20 telephone messages on average per day about prescriptions he has written.
The WyHIO ePrescribing Initiative is needed to increase efficiency, accuracy and appropriateness of medication to benefit patients, physicians, pharmacists and payers. ePrescribing is a major step to the statewide interoperable electronic health records implementation.
Purpose of Project To facilitate adoption of technology in the physician office, a statewide e-Prescribing initiative is proposed, beginning with a pilot implementation to demonstrate viability. Physicians and allied health professionals participating in the initiative will send prescriptions electronically to pharmacies through personal computers, PDAs or tablet devices. The practitioner will have the ability to review drug interactions, review formulary requirements and access a disease reference database. The WyHIO will assist the practices in installation of the system, training, matching incentives and ongoing support.
While significant technical, legal and operational issues need to be resolved before a national electronic prescribing plan goes into effect, developing such systems for electronic prescribing is a national and state priority. The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (Public Law 108-173) specifies the development of national standards for enabling the exchange of basic prescription data to and from prescribers and pharmacists, as well as standards for information exchanged about a patient's drug utilization history, possible drug interactions, the drug plan (including information about the formulary and cost-sharing), and information about lower-cost therapeutically appropriate alternatives.
Description of Project The system is designed to prevent medical errors due to illegible handwriting, decrease the need for time consuming telephone communications between the pharmacy and prescriber, and improve the turn around time filling prescriptions at the pharmacy.
The project will establish the baseline of preferred drug list use and use of generic drugs in the Medicaid program prior to initiating the project and will analyze these measures after adoption of e-Prescribing. These measurements will be made at 6 months (after an initial pilot), and after a prescriber has used the system for at least a full year after the rollout of the statewide project. Provider adoption will be tracked at the same intervals using a survey process to assess characteristics of early adopters.
Impact Sponsoring an ePrescribing initiative will streamline the prescription process by integrating payers, pharmacies, and providers. ePrescribing is being widely implemented through regional initiatives and is supported by accepted HIT standards. An ePrescribing system represents a low risk/high reward opportunity relative to other initiatives that may be considered.
Transmitting drug prescriptions electronically to pharmacies has been shown to reduce errors caused by handwriting and reduce the considerable time currently expended between pharmacies and prescribers in clarifying prescription information. In addition, with the cumulative electronic collection of prescription information, it is possible to develop a history of all medications that have been dispensed for an identified patient. This permits automated checking of interactions between drugs – a vitally important patient safety process. Moreover, accurate medication lists can be time and even lifesaving at the point of patient care.
Further, drug utilization data can be valuable for disease management of chronic conditions, and is indispensable information for measuring costs of care. Other uses of accurate patient medication lists include facilitating drug alerts and recalls, and identifying prescription drug abuse. Payers, who administer formularies with different coverage for different drugs can expect greater compliance when coverage information is available at the time of prescribing. JSI received positive feedback on ePrescribing from groups of physicians and pharmacists in Wyoming, who tend to view electronic prescribing as potentially delivering significant efficiencies for their daily practices.
posted by WyHIO at 7:10 AM
0 comments
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Federal Telemedicine Update
Federal Telemedicine UpdateFederal Telemedicine NewsFederal Telne News
Wyoming Establishing a Regional Health Information Organization
The Wyoming Healthcare Commission, Subcommittee on Health Information Technology has been meeting to study and develop a plan to implement electronic health records in the state. John Snow Inc. was chosen to do a study to analysis what is essential for health information technology to take place in Wyoming.
The goals of the Wyoming Electronic Health Records Study are to:
- Develop a statewide electronic health record model
- Identify a model for funding the EHR
- Define a supportive governance model such a an RHIO
- Propose a timeline for implementation
- Promote open standards and business policies for data sharing
At a meeting in July, Dr. Scott Young, AHRQ said there are about 20 RHIOs up and running. Most are nonprofit, quasi-governmental entities. He said only two are in the black that do not require a steady influx of money such as Utah Health Information Network and the New England Health Information Network. One uses a subscription model, and the other shaves off a small amount of money per transaction. He also said that AHRQ has not worked with a state as rural as Wyoming and indicated that Wyoming is well positioned to pursue agency support.
posted by WyHIO at 10:50 PM
0 comments
Wyoming Creates a Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO)
<>Wyoming Creates a Regional Health Information Organization (RHIO)
Congratulations to the people of Wyoming who have taken another major step towards improving access, quality, safety and efficiency of healthcare by establishing the Wyoming Health Information Organization (WYHIO). See the most recent news! Casper Star Tribune
Update: October 2005
The Wyoming Healthcare Commission is recommending that the state spend $41 million over five years to create a statewide network of electronic health care records. Casper Star Tribune View the WHCC EHR Study.
posted by WyHIO at 10:46 PM
0 comments
Wyo. Establishes Health IT Commission
Wyo. Establishes Health IT CommissionAugust 15, 2005
Volunteers in Wyoming on Thursday formed a commission to develop a statewide health IT system, the Casper Star-Tribune reports. The existing Wyoming Healthcare Commission began the effort, but organizers said a separate board was necessary to execute the project, the Star-Tribune reports.
The new group - called the Wyoming Health Information Organization - will be chaired by Dr. Geoff Smith, a radiologist in Casper. Other members will include Wyoming Department of Health Administrator Leland Clabots, Wyoming Primary Care Association Director Steve Chasson, Black Hills Bentonite Vice President Larry Madsen, and representatives from Great-West Insurance, the Wyoming Hospital Association and the Wyoming Medical Society, the Star-Tribune reports.
WyHIO's first priorities will be to hire an executive director, increase the number of practices that electronically file insurance claims, develop a system that will enable physicians to send prescriptions over e-mail, coordinate hospitals and physicians and build basic patient health records, the Star-Tribune reports. WyHIO hopes to obtain funding through grants and government subsidies.
Sen. Michael Enzi (R-Wyo.) asked the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for help developing Wyoming's system, and a representative from the group offered technical assistance last week in Casper.
"The system currently is expensive and inefficient, and we need to find ways to make it more efficient and more affordable so that more people can get access and better health care," said Anne Ladd, executive director of the Wyoming Healthcare Commission (Nordby, Casper Star-Tribune, 8/13).
posted by WyHIO at 10:41 PM
0 comments
WYHIO (
Attendance:
Carol Jenkins, WHCC ex officio; Emily Genoff, WHCC staff; Dana Barnett, Outreach and Business Development Director, United Medical Center; Larry Madsen, Vice President, Black Hills Bentonite; Lee Clabots, Wyoming Department of Health; Lisa Dolan Branson, Adil Moidduden, AHRQ; Steve Chasson, Wyoming Primary Care Association Director; Dr. Robert Fagnant, representing Wyoming Medical Society; Andrew Fisher, Vice President, Great West Healthcare; and Dr. Geoff Smith, Interim WyHIO Chair.
Meeting called to order
Dr. Smith called the meeting to order and started with introductions of those in attendance and reviewed the agenda.
Subgroups
Dr. Smith said the amount of work required in a short time period to complete the electronic health records network study necessitated small group breakouts and task assignments. He anticipates similar groups to be created within the WyHIO with specific areas of focus.
IT2 plan and recommendations to
The Legislature mandated creation of an Information Technology Technical Management Committee of the Healthcare Commission to provide oversight to the electronic medical records study and plan drafting. That group, also known as the IT2, has for all intents and purposes dissolved. The report and plan developed went to the Healthcare Commission, which is in the final stages of drafting a set of recommendations that will be sent to the Legislature’s Labor, Health and Social Services Committee on or before Oct. 15. Dr. Smith will present the study and report and the Commission will discuss its attached recommendations to the LHSS on Oct. 17 in
Grants
Two grants were written this fall requesting funding for WyHIO Board staffing. One grant proposal was submitted to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the other went to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant proposal sent to HHS’s HRSA was actually submitted by
Staffing
The Healthcare Commission has donated some staffing to the WyHIO pending the acquisition of money in the form of grants or an allocation from the Legislature to hire and pay professionals to provide structure to the organization. Mr. Clabots asked if there is a detailed description or workplan for staff; Traci Lindsten, the CIO in WDH, may be able to accomplish some of the work. Dr. Fagnant said he does not think the WMS will contribute funding at this time. A survey will go out soon to WMS members which could address funding for an electronic medical records network. Mr. Barnett said when information is available about the specific needs of the WyHIO,
AHRQ
Ms. Dolan Branton said AHRQ does not know at this time what future funding will be available from her agency. However, they can provide technical assistance and share information about what is happening in other states as requested by the WyHIO.
Meeting structure
Mr. Barnett said the Hospital Association can poll or survey its members regarding grants tapped for electronic medical records locally and networks being built. Discussion followed regarding setting up a statewide confab to share information about the WyHIO and gather information about what hospitals and medical providers are doing with electronic health records. Mr. Chasson just attended the rural health communities’ electronic medical records conference in
Tax exempt status
Mr. Fisher provided a detailed statement of the differences between tax exempt statuses available from the IRS. Dr. Fagnant has experience with 501(c)3’s and supports pursuit of that status. Mr. Fisher said a 501(c)3 is harder to implement and has categories the WyHIO does not fit into, as well as restricting the opportunities for the WyHIO to lobby. Lobbying can only be an ancillary activity for 501(c)3 organizations. The 501(c)4 option, however, would prevent tax deductible donations from being received and prevents receipt of many grants, according to the discussion. Dr. Fagnant will find out about challenges of accounting 501(c)3’s face. Dr. Smith said the WyHIO does not fall in the categories of a 501(c)3 unless it were defined as “scientific� or “educational� in nature. A membership model where fees are charged would be difficult under 501(c)3, Dr. Smith said, and deliver services. Other states with regional health information organizations (RHIOs) have classified them as 501(c)3’s. Mr. Madsen said he is a CPA and he does not think there has a been a lot of work done in the area of determining which is better – a (c)3 or (c)4. He does not think the paperwork is onerous. He does not know whether charitable contributions are going to be a large part of the WyHIO’s budget. Dr. Smith said his medical group has lawyers and accountants and he will find out whether there is an expert in the arena of tax exempt classifications and the revenue sources impacted by the different models. Ms. Jenkins has an article about RHIOs written by a legal firm that she will circulate. Dr. Fagnant also will do some research on tax exempt statuses. Ms. Jenkins suggested the WyHIO could set up multiple entities with different tax statuses under its umbrella. Discussion followed regarding the benefits and challenges of having multiple organizations.
Next steps:
1) Setting up a face to face meeting
2) Formation of a detailed work plan
3) Planning for a statewide meeting
4) Tax exempt status
5) Pursuit of funding opportunities arising continuously (grants), and
6) Presentation of the report and plan to the Legislature.
Discussion followed regarding the availability of grantwriting services. Montana Dakota Utilities is donating their grantwriters to communities, Ms. Jenkins said. She will give them a call. Mr. Barnett, Dr. Fagnant and Dr. Smith will speak with their communities’ hospitals about the availability of donated grantwriting services. The PCA may be able to help. Ms. Genoff will check with the Rural Development Council, which is a stakeholder and has provided communities with grantwriting services in the past. The WHCC can assist with many WyHIO Board activities – meeting logistics and minutes, for example – but more intensive activities like grantwriting will have to be allocated elsewhere because the Commission does not have enough staff to provide that level of assistance, Dr. Smith said. Mr. Clabots will be contacted by Dr. Smith about what specifically WDH can do to help with the WyHIO’s work. Dr. Smith will send an email polling for times when Board members can meet by telephone and in person, with the goals being to set out a prioritized workplan.
Other business:
Mr. Barnett would like a directory of the group. Dr. Smith will email it.
posted by WyHIO at 10:37 PM
0 comments
Links
Previous Posts
- Quovadx Participates in Developing Accenture Natio...
- Progress report on federal healthcare IT goals
- Companies poised to take part in EMR shift
- WellPoint Launches E-Prescription Pilot
- Free E-prescribing to Every Physician in America
- Cause of Death: Sloppy Doctors
- nations's Capital Welcomes It's First Electronic P...
- Draft Requirements for EHR
- Democrats to push health IT funding, privacy
- Zix Corporation Expands e-Prescribing Contract
Archives
- February 2006
- March 2006
- April 2006
- June 2006
- July 2006
- August 2006
- October 2006
- November 2006
- January 2007
