Effective August 1, 2008, the California Office of HIPAA Implementation (CalOHI) is changing its name to the Office of Health Information Integrity (CalOHII). This change is being made to reflect the Office's expanding new role supporting the Health and Human Services Agency’s health information exchange (HIE) initiatives.
CalOHII is now working with a wide spectrum of healthcare stakeholders including representatives from the healthcare industry, consumers, and privacy and security advocates to develop new privacy and security standards to enable the adoption and application of health information exchange in California. In addition, CalOHII is working on a number of items on the administration health information technology agenda including the expansion of broadband throughout California, the implementation of telehealth, and support to the Health Information Technology Financing study. Many of the activities that support these projects involve other state and government partners and are well beyond the original scope of the CalOHI.
Continued progress toward widespread health information exchange will depend on successfully addressing a number of major privacy and security concerns. On October 11, 2007, Secretary Kim Belshé announced the formation of a new Privacy and Security Advisory Board (PSAB) composed of a broad spectrum of stakeholders to develop and recommend these new standards. CalOHII serves as the organization that supports and facilitates the PSAB and the standards development process. Adoption of privacy and security standards for HIE will ensure that a person’s critical health information can move safely and securely to the point of care. An individual will benefit from improved treatment outcomes and the opportunity to better manage their health. Electronic health information exchange will also lead to more transparent healthcare and contribute to a more effective and efficient healthcare system.
CalOHII will continue to serve as the primary resource for state entities on health information privacy and the implementation of HIPAA regulations. Three HIPAA rules have not yet been issued, and previously issued rules have the potential to be amended yearly. CalOHII will continue to fulfill its statutory role to provide technical assistance and ensure uniform and cost effective HIPAA implementation. Our new website will continue to provide that information and resources to support HIPAA implementation.
We greatly appreciate the encouragement and support received from our State partners and other government, healthcare, and consumer stakeholders as we make this transition.
CalOHI Related Legislation & Health and Safety Code
CalOHI Overview
This document is an overview of CalOHI.
CalOHI Overview (100K - DOC)