SHIN-NY Organizational Infrastructure

Policy Framework – Governance and Accountability

A health information technology infrastructure is essential to create an interconnected system that will help address many of the challenges facing New York's health care system such as preventable medical errors, disparities in the quality of care received by New Yorkers, high costs, administrative inefficiencies, and the lack of coordination among physicians, hospitals, and patients. The Statewide Health Information Network for New York (SHIN-NY) organizational infrastructure consists of a policy and governance framework, collaborative processes, and accountability mechanisms through which the strategy is being implemented.

Roles and Responsibilities

The framework for a comprehensive, interoperable health information infrastructure in New York is based on distinguishing between the responsibilities of the New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH), the New York eHealth Collaborative (NYeC), and the Qualified Entities (QEs).

NYS DOH has oversight and enforcement of SHIN-NY regulations (policy and technical standards), sets strategy, and approves policy and investment.

NYeC is charged with leadership, coordination, and administration of the SHIN-NY. NYeC advises NYS DOH on the development of policies and procedures that govern the SHIN-NY. The statewide policy guidance was developed and is updated through an open, transparent, and consensus driven Statewide Collaborative Process. More information is available on NYeC's website.

The QEs develop and manage the technical connections with data contributors that allow the data to flow between their participants and to other QEs. QEs ensure SHIN-NY policies for how data is governed are implemented and maintain legal agreements with participating organizations. Additionally, they are responsible for delivering local services and support users.

There are six QEs which serve all of New York.

• Bronx RHIO
• Healtheconnections
• Healthelink
• Healthix
• HIXNY
• Rochester RHIO

Participants in the SHIN-NY share health data through secure electronic connections to the QEs through their Electronic Health Records (EHR). Participants include health care providers, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic and treatment centers, clinics, nursing homes, home care services agencies, hospices, health maintenance organizations and many more. With the consent of the patient, participating providers are able to access the SHIN-NY to help improve care.

For more information, visit Health IT Regulations and Resources.