PFC1 - Health Information Technology Federal and State Policy Updates and Challenges Affecting Community Health Centers

Session Description: This session explores the current, most recent, and near-future landscape of health information technology (HIT) policies and their rapidly evolving impact on community health centers. Attendees will gain insights into HIT federal policy changes, with a focus on regulations from the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy / Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC)

Key topics include:

1. Analysis of the latest ONC regulations on interoperability, information blocking, and certification of electronic health records (EHRs), highlighting their implications for CHCs.
2. Overview of ASPE policies affecting data collection, reporting, and utilization in community health settings.
3. Examination of state-level HIT initiatives and their alignment with federal mandates.
4. Discussion of compliance challenges faced by CHCs utilizing certified electronic health record technology (CEHRT)
5. Exploration of how these policies intersect with the pillars of equity and social justice, empowered infrastructure, and improved care models.
6. Strategies for CHCs to navigate the complex regulatory environment while optimizing patient care and operational efficiency.

This session will equip attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the current HIT policy landscape, its challenges, and opportunities for CHCs. Participants will leave with actionable insights to enhance their centers' HIT infrastructure, improve care delivery, and advocate for policies that support the unique needs of underserved communities.