The District’s HIE Rule authorizes DHCF to oversee and administer the DC HIE. The DC HIE is a marketplace of registered and designated HIE entities that work together to ensure health information exchange is private, secure, and effective. Specifically, the DC HIE must make the right health information available to the right individuals at the right time.      

In addition to regulating the DC HIE, DHCF is working with key stakeholders, including the DC HIE Policy Board, to evaluate and develop policy guidance on health information exchange in the District. DHCF is committed to ongoing engagement with the community to adapt to new technologies and best practices.  

For questions on the application process, please contact: Nina Jolani, HIE Program Analyst, DHCF, [email protected] and or at (202) 478-1470. 

WHY SHOULD HIE ENTITIES APPLY TO BE PART OF THE DC HIE? 

Approval as a District Registered HIE Entity demonstrates that the HIE entity meets or exceeds privacy, security, and access requirements for health information exchange identified by DHCF and District stakeholders. The District Registered HIE Entities will receive key opportunities to engage in discussions with other District Registered and Designated HIE Entities that make up the DC HIE.  

Participation in the DC HIE is voluntary, however, HIE entities that do not apply are able to continue their operations in the District.    

WHAT IS A DISTRICT DESIGNATED HIE ENTITY?  

Once a HIE entity has demonstrated it meets the District’s privacy and security requirements to become a District Registered HIE Entity, the HIE entity may consider the opportunity (if eligible) of applying and attaining a District Designated HIE Entity status. The District’s Designated HIE Entity is acknowledged as DHCF’s committed partner for citywide HIE services. The District Designated HIE Entity status is sought through a competitive selection process. For the 2019 DC HIE Designation Application period (August 19-September 18, 2019), only one District Registered HIE Entity will be selected to be a District Designated HIE Entity. The District’s Designated HIE Entity will be a public-private partner with DHCF and provide core exchange services to District providers.   

HOW DOES AN HIE ENTITY APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DC HIE?

Provided below are key information on applying to be a District Registered HIE Entity and or Designated HIE Entity.  

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DISTRICT REGISTERED HIE ENTITY?  

Information on the benefits, eligibility, application timeframe, and instructions to access the DC HIE Registration Application materials is summarized in Table 1. 

Table 1.  Summary Information on the DC HIE Registration Application Process 

Benefits	Eligibility	Timeframe	How to Apply
Acknowledgement that the HIE entity meets all privacy and security best practices identified by DHCF in the HIE Rule   Opportunities to engage in discussions with other registered and designated HIE entities that make up the DC HIE	Meet the definition of a HIE entity as described in the HIE Rule and provided below.    HIE entity – an entity that creates or maintains an infrastructure that provides organizational and technical capabilities in a system to enable the secure, electronic exchange of health information among participating organization not under common ownership.     The HIE entity or its managing business organization, is a business organization established under District or applicable state laws	Ongoing; applications are accepted on a rolling basis.	Click here to access the DC HIE Registration Application materials.

 

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DISTRICT DESIGNATED HIE ENTITY? 

Information on the benefits, eligibility, application timeframe, and instructions to access the DC HIE Designation Application materials is provided below in Table 2. 

Table 2.  Summary Information on the DC HIE Designation Application Process 

Benefits	Eligibility	Timeframe*	How to Apply
Acknowledgement that the Designated HIE is DHCF’s committed partner for citywide HIE services	Submit a DC HIE- Registration Application* to DHCF   Meet or exceed the consumer education and auditing requirements as set in the HIE Rule.  Be organized in accordance with the District of Columbia “Nonprofit Corporation Act of 2010.”    *The DC HIE Registration and Designation applications can be submitted concurrently. However, submitting a DC HIE Registration Application prior to submitting a DC HIE Designation Application is recommended and may expedite the review of the applicant’s applications.	Application Period Opens: Monday, August 19th  Application Period Closes: Wednesday, September 18th by 5:30 PM ET  *Applications will only be accepted during this timeframe.	Click here to access the DC HIE Designation Application materials.