Behavioral Health Information Technology (BHIT) Initiative

Behavioral Health Information Technology (BHIT) Initiative is sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). This initiative aims to advance health information technology in behavioral health care settings, improve interoperability, and support data exchange.

It will identify and pilot behavioral health-specific data elements to improve data capture, use, and exchange for behavioral health providers. While grants are primarily to state, territorial, and tribal organizations, technical assistance will be provided to pilot participants to inform health IT implementation.

ASTP/ONC Announces Selection of Nationwide Pilot Programs to Improve Behavioral Health Data Exchange - ONC - Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology website belongs to an official government organization in the to the . gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ASTP/ONC Announces Selection of Nationwide Pilot Programs to Improve Behavioral Health Data Exchange Stay updated with our latest news and updates. 1 Speaker and Presentation Information 2 Event and Location Information This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Requested Speaker's First Name Requested Speaker's Last Name Are you inviting Tom Keane, Mark Atalla, or Sam Kaardal to speak?

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These behavioral health IT standards and the testing pilot programs were developed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ASTP/ONC). The pilots are being funded through the Behavioral Health Information Technology (BHIT) Initiative , a $20+ million SAMHSA investment being implemented in partnership with ASTP/ONC.

Representing 45 exchange partners across nine states (Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, D. C.) , the pilot programs will test behavioral health specific data elements in real-world behavioral health settings nationwide.

Findings from the pilots, which will be complete by the end of 2026, will inform future standards, technical specifications, and policy considerations for the broader health provider community and shape future resources for the behavioral health community.

“These pilots are a critical step toward breaking down the barriers currently impacting the interoperable exchange of behavioral health data across the care continuum,” said Tom Keane, MD, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and National Coordinator for Health IT.

“We are eager to see how these pilots progress and equally eager to digest the findings that will help us support improved continuity of care and improve health outcomes. ” The pilots will begin testing the USCDI+ Behavioral Health (USCDI+ BH) dataset and the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®) Behavioral Health Profiles Implementation Guide (BH IG) in diverse real-world behavioral health settings.

USCDI+ BH was developed by ASTP/ONC and SAMHSA, and informed by a public comment period, to improve the effectiveness and reduce the costs of data capture, use, and exchange for behavioral health providers. The pilots will implement provider-informed, community-driven projects that address interoperability, privacy, consent, and 42 C. F.

R. Part 2 requirements. Lessons learned will inform refinements to the USCDI+ BH dataset and standards.

Information gathered from the pilots will also guide the development of the Behavioral Health Information Resource, slated for release in 2027, to support scalable, sustainable nationwide adoption. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on pilot progress and for opportunities to provide additional feedback on the USCDI+ BH dataset and BH IG.

For more on the BHIT Initiative, visit the Behavioral Health IT Pilot Program page. Get the latest on ASTP/ONC’s activities on LinkedIn and on X at @HHS_TechPolicy . Thank you for visiting the HealthIT.

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