The session brought together health IT leaders nationwide for a deep dive into the intersection of state and federal policies, funding opportunities, and the partnerships needed to advance health data interoperability.
Facilitated by Amy Zimmerman, MPH, and Kate Ricker, M.S., the session took an in-depth look at new and emerging federal regulations and their direct impact on state health IT infrastructure and initiatives. The discussion focused heavily on how new laws are shaping the landscape of health information exchanges (HIEs), community information exchanges (CIEs), and health data utilities, creating both challenges and opportunities for states.
One of the key points was the availability of federal funding streams that support health data projects. The session shared insights into the various programs that states are tapping into, including federal grants, Medicaid funding, and other initiatives that provide critical financial backing for health IT upgrades. The workshop format allowed participants to share their own successes and challenges in navigating these funding opportunities, as well as strategies to better align state policies with federal requirements.
In addition to policy and funding, the session highlighted the importance of building cross-sector partnerships to leverage these resources effectively. Participants discussed how states are collaborating with local and federal entities to create a more cohesive approach to health data infrastructure while also exploring the gaps in existing frameworks that need to be addressed for future growth
Advancing state-wide health IT infrastructure requires not just understanding federal policies but also maximizing funding opportunities and fostering partnerships across all levels of government. The insights from this session highlight how state leaders are actively aligning