CalHHS Announces $47M in Grants for Data Exchange Framework

The California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) has launched a $47 million grant program to support health and social service organizations in implementing the state Data Exchange Framework (DxF).

State law required many California entities to have signed a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) for the DxF by January 31st, 2023. The framework is key to achieving the state’s plans for transforming healthcare, expanding coverage, and improving connections between healthcare and social services.

The DSA Signatory Grants Program provides health and social services organizations that have signed the DSA (Signatories) with resources to address operational, technical, and technological barriers to DxF implementation.

Entities that have signed the DSA and can demonstrate that they need additional support to meet their DSA requirements are eligible to apply for the program.

“The launch of this Grant Program is another important step in our continued, successful implementation of California’s Data Exchange Framework,” said Mark Ghaly, MD, MPH, secretary of CalHHS. “A healthy California for all is only made possible if the health and social services entities that have signed the data sharing agreement properly implement the Data Exchange Framework.”

“These grants provide significant subsidies to aid our Signatories, which in turn helps make sure every Californian, no matter where they live, can receive the benefits of the framework and a connected California,” Ghaly added.

Grants will prioritize investments in entities operating in under-resourced areas or serving historically marginalized populations and underserved communities.

The CalHHS Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) offers two kinds of DSA Signatory Grants.

Technical Assistance (TA) grants will support a “build-your-own-solution” pathway. DSA Signatories will be able to identify various technical and operational activities and manage the process of applying for and managing funds directly. This grant gives Signatories as much agency as possible over the funds.

Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO) onboarding grants support an “assisted” pathway. Entities will receive support to onboard to a CDII Qualified HIO that will act as an exchange Intermediary, allowing the Signatory to fulfill their DSA requirements. This grant provides entities application support and guidance for DxF implementation.

The California Association of Health Information Exchanges (CAHIE), CDII’s contracted partner, will support applicants with submitting a grant request application. CDII’s fiscal intermediary, Public Consulting Group (PCG), will manage the flow of funds directly to the applicant’s selected QHIO.

Funding maximums are the same for both grant domains.

Grant Applicants may request up to:

• $50,000 for general acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, skilled nursing facilities
• $35,000 for physician organizations and medical groups
• $25,000 for health insurance plans
• $15,000 for clinical laboratories

Enhanced funding maximums will be available for Signatories that meet certain criteria to help address inequities.

There will be at least three rounds of grants in 2023. The first round application window will close at 12:00 PM on June 16th, 2023.