NJAMHAA 75th Anniversary

Commemorative Journal 49 In fact, when the pandemic hit in March 2020, the IT Project team worked remotely and helped members set up — in record time — technology for staff to work off-site and implement telehealth so they could function without missing a beat during the pandemic. In FY2023, then Director June Noto was selected to serve as a statewide Health Information Technology (HIT) Champion to help spread the word about electronic health record (EHR) systems and the benefits for providers and the individuals they serve. In addition, she and then Associate Director (now Director) Ron Gordon went to provider agencies to discuss with management the federal EHR and Meaningful Use incentive program available to them and how to obtain this funding, as well as select and work with EHR vendors, and identify and implement any infrastructure upgrades that were needed. Noto also participated on the federal Office of the National Coordinator’s Communities of Practice’s subcommittee on EHR specialties, which was focused on software for federally qualified healthcare centers and other specialty practices, including behavioral health. In addition, the IT Project established long-lasting partnerships with the New Jersey Health Information Technology Extension Center and EHR vendors. Through these relationships, the IT Project has been able to better support member organizations and liaison with them to secure the services they need; and save providers significant amounts of money on EHR systems by facilitating joint investments into the technology with other members. The team also collaborated with DMHAS and providers to find a mechanism to export data from providers’ EHR systems into the state’s Unified Services Transaction Form, which providers use to submit client outcomes data to assist the Division with planning and program developments. The exported data had to be verified and put in a format that would allow the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to import data into state databases. This project aimed to help reduce double data entry, speed up reporting and reduce submission errors. Furthermore, the IT Project informs providers about funding available from the state, whether it is through grants or other initiatives. For example, during the pandemic, the IT Project encouraged providers to take advantage of funding opportunities, including federal American Rescue Plan funds provided to DMHAS, which made them available to substance use disorder (SUD) service providers for personal protective equipment; technology to build infrastructure and better serve existing clients; as well as serve more new clients; and COVID testing kits and related items. The IT Project staff also provided information and insights that DMHAS considered in making allocation decisions. An additional example is the Promoting Interoperability Program (PIP), which was originally offered solely to SUD treatment providers and was later expanded to mental healthcare organizations. This program provides financial incentives for provider organizations to implement or upgrade their EHR systems to improve care coordination, data sharing and operational efficiencies. In the 42 years that the IT Project has worked closely with DMHAS, NJAMHAA strengthened its partnership. DMHAS regards NJAMHAA’s contributions and opinions and perspectives highly and views the IT Project as an expert resource of equal value to its own work and to NJAMHAA members and individuals served. Through quarterly meetings with DMHAS and the provider community, the IT Project advocates directly to DMHAS for positive changes in reporting systems, policies and other IT-related matters that impact providers’ ability to deliver the highest-quality services.