New Electronic Health Record System to Improve Mental Health Care in New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $218 million investment to build a new electronic health record system for the state's 24 inpatient psychiatric centers, two research institutions, and over 300 outpatient programs. This initiative aims to improve patient experience, efficiency, and treatment delivery by standardizing and streamlining processes and clinical practices. The new system will integrate records between facilities and programs, standardize patient information, and enhance security and data sharing. Oracle Health has been awarded the funding to create the comprehensive statewide electronic health record system.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new electronic health record system will cost $218 million and take approximately 29 months to implement statewide.
  • The system will support around 12,000 users and will accommodate both clinical and business functions for facilities and their programs.
  • The system will standardize and streamline processes and clinical practices, keeping them compliant with national and industry standards for behavioral health care.
  • The system will integrate records between facilities and programs, making it easier to share patient information and improve the patient experience.
  • The system will also improve data quality, enhance patient information security, and increase the ability to share data with providers.
  • The system will reduce administrative burdens on staff by consolidating dozens of legacy applications into one platform.
  • The new system will improve safety at OMH facilities by ensuring staff can easily access up-to-date patient information before making care decisions.

Statistics:

  • The new electronic health record system will take approximately 29 months to implement statewide.
  • The system will support around 12,000 users, including clinical and business functions for facilities and their programs.
  • The $218 million investment will cover the cost of implementing the new electronic health record system.
  • The system will integrate records between facilities and programs, making it easier to share patient information.

Sources:

  • New York State Office of the Governor spokeswoman
  • Oracle Health
  • New York State Office of Mental Health
  • New York State Office of Information Technology Services