The District of Columbia’s Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) made significant advancements in modernizing electronic health record (EHR) infrastructure for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from 2022 to 2024, the HCBS Digital Health Technical Assistance Program addressed long-standing gaps in healthcare technology adoption among HCBS providers, a group historically excluded from EHR incentive programs. The initiative offered Medicaid HCBS providers tailored technical assistance and ARPA-funded EHR incentives. As a result, 91 organizations have modernized their health record systems and connected with the District’s Health Information Exchange (HIE), addressing the technological gap among HCBS providers traditionally excluded from EHR incentives.
Empowering HCBS Providers with Resources and Expertise
Historically, HCBS providers faced challenges adopting certified EHR technology (CEHRT) due to limited resources and technical expertise. This challenge left essential services—like Behavioral Health, Long-Term Care, and Housing Supportive Services—disconnected from broader healthcare systems. With $5 million in federal funding, DHCF’s initiative supported 91 HCBS organizations with tailored technical assistance and incentives, resulting in remarkable achievements:
- 86 organizations adopted or upgraded CEHRT.
- 85 organizations successfully integrated with the DC Health Information Exchange (HIE).
- 83 organizations established real-time clinical data sharing with CRISP DC, DC’s HIE platform.
Maximizing EHR Impact through Tailored Technical Assistance
Beyond adoption, the program emphasized meaningful use of EHRs. Providers received personalized workflow optimization, financial system training, and direct support to enhance staff proficiency. These efforts streamlined data management and reimbursement processes, directly improving care delivery. Real-time HIE integration allowed providers to share critical patient information seamlessly across care settings.
Incentivizing Progress
Providers earned milestone-based incentives to encourage participation: up to $78,000 for new EHR implementations, $52,000 for upgrades, or $45,000 for optimizing existing systems. Sectors like Mental Health Rehabilitation Services, representing nearly half of all participants, demonstrated significant enhancements in secure data exchange and service coordination.
Transforming Health Outcomes through Collaboration
Real-time data sharing via CRISP DC enables providers to make informed decisions, coordinate care effectively, and ensure patients receive timely interventions. These advances have strengthened the District’s health ecosystem, fostering collaboration and improving patient outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The HCBS EHR initiative exemplifies DHCF’s commitment to bridging gaps in healthcare technology, setting a foundation for a more connected and equitable health system. By leveraging digital tools and fostering collaboration, the program has modernized HCBS services and empowered providers to deliver holistic, person-centered care. For more information on the District’s Digital Health Technical Assistance offerings, please visit: www.e-healthdc.org.