June 12, 2023
Program to focus on needs of health and social services organizations serving under-resourced, historically marginalized, and underserved communities
With a January 31, 2024, deadline approaching for many entities to begin securely exchanging health information under the Data Exchange Framework (DxF), the California Health and Human Services Agency’s (CalHHS) Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII) is now accepting applications for the first of at least three rounds of Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) Signatory Grants.
California entities that have signed the DSA can apply to receive direct support for DxF implementation, with financial assistance ranging from $15,000 to $50,000, or more via enhanced funding to entities serving underserved communities.
The grant program provides health and social services entities with resources to address critical operational, technical and technological barriers to DxF implementation. Entities that have signed the DSA and can demonstrate that additional support and capabilities are needed to meet their DSA requirements are eligible to apply.
The available grants prioritize investments in organizations and practices operating in under-resourced geographies and/or serving historically marginalized populations and underserved communities. These areas and populations are often the most impacted by siloed records and discontinuous care, health care barriers the DxF seeks to resolve. Enhanced funding maximums are available for those that meet certain criteria to help mitigate inequities. This additional assistance helps ensure that Signatories, regardless of size or location, have the resources they need for smooth implementation of the DxF.
To support the range of activities that may be needed comply with the DSA requirements and varying capacity for grant application and management, CDII is offering two types of grants:
- Technical Assistance (TA): This is a flexible, “build-your-own-solution” pathway. DSA Signatories identify a range of technical and operational activities and manage the entire process of applying for and managing funds directly.
- Qualified Health Information Organization (QHIO) Onboarding: This is an “assisted” pathway in which grantees receive support to onboard to a CDII Qualified HIO that will act as an exchange Intermediary, enabling the Signatory to fulfill their DSA requirements.
There will be at least three rounds of grants in 2023 with the first-round application window closing at 12:00 p.m. on June 16, 2023. To expedite funding to mandatory signatories, the first two rounds of grants will be “short rounds” for the six types of signatory organizations that were identified as required to execute the DSA by January 31, 2023. First awards are anticipated to be announced in August.
The second round of grants will be open in late June, with the award announcements anticipated in September. The third round will be open in July, where it is anticipated that applicants will have three months to apply in this round. Additional rounds may be added on as needed and will be announced at a later date, as necessary.
Have data exchange questions or need help with DxF implementation? Email DxFQuestions@cmadocs.org.
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