Texas has plans to connect regional health information exchanges across the state to facilitate the exchange of clinical documents and patient records, according to a report released by the state's Health and Human Services Commission.
The Local HIE Grant Program, launched in 2011, funded programs designed to connect the majority of physicians and hospitals in the state. Sixteen programs were originally funded, and the 12 that are continuing in the program are expected to facilitate the exchange of lab results and clinical summaries, and may be expanded to include population health analytic services or patient portals.
The White Space Program, established in 2012, aims to bring vetted health information service providers to rural regions without HIEs to act as "lite" HIEs, facilitating the transmission of clinical data.
The Texas Health Services Administration and the HHSC also plan to work together to establish the framework for a statewide HIE, including establishing a governance structure and developing policies and guidelines.
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