In 2015, the N.C. General Assembly established the state-managed N.C. Health Information Exchange Authority to oversee and administer the N.C. Health Information Exchange Network (NCGS 90-414.7), called NC HealthConnex. The NC HIEA is part of the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Data Division and coordinates closely with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
The NC HIEA operates North Carolina’s state-designated health information exchange, NC HealthConnex, a secure, standardized electronic system in which providers can share important patient health information.
Health information exchange systems have been in development nationwide since a federal law was passed in 2009 to promote the electronic movement and use of health information among health care providers.
Use of this system promotes the access, exchange and analysis of health information. As a modernized health information exchange, NC HealthConnex brings added value to health care conversations happening at all levels in the health care industry. It is breaking down information silos between health care providers, achieving greater health care outcomes for patients and creating efficiencies in state-funded health care programs such as Medicaid. Many other states have been operating health information exchanges for years and are seeing success in improving patient care.
The law requires that certain health care providers who receive state funds (e.g., Medicaid, State Health Plan) connect to NC HealthConnex. The deadline for this connection was January 1, 2023. Having a signed and executed participation agreement demonstrates a good-faith effort to meet the mandate.
The North Carolina legislature has yet to determine the penalty or enforcement mechanism for failing to connect by this deadline. The condition to connect in order to continue to receive payments for services provided has been suspended. (NCGS 90-414.4).
Connection is also available to any provider on a voluntary basis.
The NC HIEA receives input and advice from an advisory board consisting of patients, hospital systems, physicians, technology experts, public health officials and other key stakeholders to continuously improve NC HealthConnex and move toward more efficient and effective care.