Civitas Releases Framework for Health Data Utility (HDU) Adoption

Civitas Networks for Health, an organization that aims to support interoperability through widespread collaboration, has released a Health Data Utility (HDU) Framework developed in partnership with the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC).

HDUs aim to support cross-sector needs by serving as a data resource for use cases beyond care delivery through multi-directional data exchange. The model leverages existing infrastructure through collaboration with state and regional HIEs.

The HDU Framework is intended to guide states, regions, health information exchanges (HIEs), and community partners in designing and implementing an HDU that integrates data to support public health and care delivery.

“There is tremendous promise with HDU models to further interoperability efforts, advance health equity, and more effectively support whole-person care delivery by providing key stakeholders with the most comprehensive health data they need to make informed and proactive decisions,” Lisa Bari, CEO of Civitas Networks for Health, said in a press release.

According to the framework, key characteristics of HDUs include:

• Neutrality and flexibility in meeting stakeholders’ goals
• Broad geography
• Cooperative state and local leadership and broad governance
• Designated authority
• Multi-stakeholder, cross-sector participation
• Inclusive governance strategy
• Sustainable financing
• Modular infrastructure and advanced technical services

“Health Data Utilities not only bring forward richer health data sets, but they ensure the most complete data privacy and security protections are upheld in the process,” said Craig Behm, CEO of the Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients (CRISP) in Maryland.

“This is the result of utilizing existing infrastructure, trusted relationships, and deep knowledge of local regulations,” said Behm, who also serves as the national advisor of the Health Data Utility Framework.

The Framework aims to assist collaborators and entities within states in assessing readiness and identifying the next steps for HDU adoption.

The document outlines four phases of HDU implementation:

• Assessment: Conduct an environmental scan that analyzes conditions for achieving and maintaining HDU status and policy levers to support planning and implementation.
• Planning: Organize activities by convening key stakeholders, establishing an oversight committee, and making action plans with measurable goals and objectives.
• Implementation: Coordinate resources with stakeholders to maximize efficiency, move data exchange and analysis plans into action, and conduct ongoing assessments of progress and quality.
• Sustainability: Secure diverse and comprehensive funding and integrate continuous quality improvement strategies.