Title
Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign an Epic Nexus QHIN Participation Agreement Attestation, authorizing participation by the County of Monterey Health Department, Clinic Services Bureau, as a member of the Oregon Community Health Information Network (OCHIN), Inc., in the Epic Nexus Qualified Health Information Network (“QHIN”), enabling the County to participate in full network-to-network exchange of health information via the Trusted Exchange Framework & Common Agreement (TEFCA), a common agreement of health information networks nationally created by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of Health Services or designee to sign an Epic Nexus QHIN Participation Agreement Attestation, authorizing participation by the County of Monterey Health Department, Clinic Services Bureau, as a member of the Oregon Community Health Information Network (OCHIN), Inc., in the Epic Nexus Qualified Health Information Network (“QHIN”), enabling the County to participate in full network-to-network exchange of health information via the Trusted Exchange Framework & Common Agreement (TEFCA), a common agreement of health information networks nationally created by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP).
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
OCHIN, the County of Monterey Clinical Services Bureau Electronic Health Record vendor, is taking steps to participate in the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA). This government-sponsored exchange framework for health care data interoperability will provide a single on-ramp to a wide variety of data exchange uses for OCHIN, our members, and exchange partners. In addition to its many benefits for members, implementing TEFCA is also required by Epic through their Connect Accreditation program. OCHIN has selected Epic Nexus as the Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) that will facilitate data exchanges among participants in accordance with TEFCA.
OCHIN serves as the clinic services electronic health record vendor and as an OCHIN member this adoption will address current data exchange gaps previously identified by the County of Monterey Clinic Services Bureau and by sending and receiving more complete health and social services information, will ultimately ensure optimal health services are provided to the community.
There is no financial exchange associated with this Attestation, as the primary agreement exists between the principal participant, OCHIN Inc., and Epic Nexus (a qualified health information network). The term of the agreement between Epic Nexus and OCHIN will commence upon execution and through August 31, 2026.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2025-2028 Strategic Plan Goals: 1. Build Community Power and Partners’ Capacity to Increase Equity and Improve Health, Community health and safety through prevention, and Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports the following of the ten essential public health services, specifically: 2. Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community, 4. Mobilize community partnerships and action to identify and solve health problems, 6. Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety, and 7. Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Office of County Counsel and Auditor- Controller have reviewed and approved the Attestation as to legal form and fiscal provisions, respectively.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact or exchange of funds associated with this attestation. All obligations and responsibilities related to participation are covered under the primary agreement between OCHIN Inc. and Epic Nexus, with no direct cost to the Health Department.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☒ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Richard Wagreich, Departmental Information Systems Manager II, 755-4351
Approved by: Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
Attestation
Participant/Subparticipant Terms of Participation (Exhibit to the Epic Nexus QHIN Participation Agreement)
Agreement (primary Agreement between Epic Nexus and OCHIN Inc.)
Exhibit - Business Associate Agreement