In Ohio, many behavioral health providers are interested in both electronic health records (EHR) and health information exchange (HIE) adoption efforts. While support for these providers is clearly critical to achieving the state's healthcare quality goals, we face unique problems in the adoption of electronic health records because of the sensitive information that can be contained within them. Members of the committee represent behavioral health representatives throughout the state who are coordinating Health IT efforts among our regional partners, Board, Regional Extension Center Committee, Privacy and Policy Committee, state agencies and community partners.

VISION

Behavioral Health Care Providers will successfully adopt electronic health record solutions and have the capacity to fully participate in the electronic exchange of health care information.

OBJECTIVES

• Encouraging adoption of certified electronic health record (EHR) and health information exchange (HIE) technology among non-hospital behavioral health providers to allow them to achieve meaningful use
• Facilitating electronic access to and retrieval of clinical data to provide better, more timely, efficient, patient-centered care across health care settings and provider types
• Actively engaging Ohio's community behavioral health care system in healthcare reform by leveraging collaboration and related initiatives through a single voice
• Identifying financial and human resources necessary to support health IT adoption
• Promoting collaboration between behavioral health and priority primary care providers (PPCPs) across Ohio

Documents produced by the committee and other resources are available below. If you would like to submit suggestions, send them to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please type BH in the subject line, and the OHIP staff will make sure our committee members receive your feedback.