To: Board of Supervisors
From: Aaron J. McAlister, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: California Health & Human Services Data Exchange Framework Data Sharing Agreement and the Emergency Medical Services Authority Intermediary Data Sharing Agreement
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, RATIFY the Fire Chief’s execution of the California Health & Human Services Data Exchange Framework Data Sharing Agreement and the Emergency Medical Services Authority Intermediary Data Sharing Agreement, as required by SB 660 and Health and Safety Code Section 13290(f). These agreements are also required as a condition for contracting for health care services with the Department of Health Care Services, the Public Employees’ Retirement System, and the California Health Benefit Exchange.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with ratification of the agreements. Compliance with the Data Exchange Framework may require ongoing administrative and operational efforts to meet applicable data-sharing, privacy, and security requirements; however, these activities are expected to be accommodated within existing resources. Execution of the agreements preserves the District’s eligibility to contract with state health care programs and payers, thereby helping to protect existing and future revenue opportunities.
BACKGROUND:
Senate Bill 660 established the California Health & Human Services Data Exchange Framework (DxF) to improve the secure exchange of health and social services information among health care entities, government agencies, and other participating organizations. California Health and Safety Code Section 13290(f) requires applicable entities to execute and maintain the Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) developed under the DxF.
As a provider of emergency medical services and participant in the health care delivery system, the Fire District is required to execute the California Health & Human Services Data Exchange Framework Data Sharing Agreement and the Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) Intermediary Data Sharing Agreement. These agreements establish the legal and operational framework for the secure exchange of health information and define the responsibilities of participating entities regarding privacy, security, and data governance.
To ensure compliance with state law and applicable contracting requirements, the Fire Chief executed the agreements on behalf of the District. Board ratification is requested to formally acknowledge and approve the execution of the agreements.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If the Board does not ratify the Fire Chief’s execution of the California Health & Human Services Data Exchange Framework Data Sharing Agreement and the EMSA Intermediary Data Sharing Agreement, the District may be deemed noncompliant with state data-sharing requirements established under SB 660 and Health and Safety Code Section 13290(f).
Additionally, the District's ability to contract for health care services with the Department of Health Care Services, CalPERS, and Covered California could be adversely affected, potentially impacting participation in certain health care programs, reimbursement opportunities, and the exchange of health information necessary to support patient care and operational effectiveness.