Texas Health Information Network Collaborative (TxHINC) An FCC funded initiative to improve high speed broadband availability and affordability for Texas health care facilities

What is the FCC Rural Health Care Pilot Program and Why is it Important? The pilot program is an enhanced funding initiative intended to improve the availability and affordability of secure high speed broadband for health care providers across the state. –For the benefit of rural health care facilities and communities –Includes urban facilities –the first time ever

What are the benefits of the pilot program? A broadband network connecting multiple health care providers bringing innovative healthcare services to those areas of the state where the need is most acute. Linking statewide and regional health systems with a nationwide network of academic, public, and private health care institutions that are important sources of medical expertise and information. Health care providers will gain increased access to advanced applications in continuing education and research. Enhancing the health care community’s ability to provide a rapid and coordinated response in the event of a national disaster or crisis.

Fundamental Assumption Broadband is an essential element in the success and sustainability of coordinated care: –Meaningful use –HIE –Patient Centered Medical Home –ACO –1115 Waiver - DSRIP

TxHINC Mission and Goal High availability, high speed broadband delivery of health care services plays a major role in improving care coordination, access, quality and affordability TxHINC is constructing a state wide medical grade secure broadband network in fulfillment of its obligation to the FCC and for the benefit of all Texans

Fund Availability Almost $16 million for broadband infrastructure (can be capital or operational expenses - hardware, broadband circuits, monthly recurring charges, network management, security) A match is required by each participant

Role of TxHINC TxHINC is the interface between all participating facilities and the FCC –TxHINC submits all paperwork, etc. –A “letter of agency” indicating interest which also permits TxHINC to be the agent for this activity FCC funds can subsidize: –Up to 75% of facility hardware costs –Up to 75% of monthly broadband service fee Caveat: broadband service provider had to be competitive bid; may require switching provider

Three Phases Phase 1: Assure all hardware and high speed broadband circuit is in place at every facility –Minimum bandwidth of 45 Mbps Phase 2: Secure Internet Protocol (IP)-based broadband network and network QoS and performance management –Security, network monitoring and management included Phase 3: Enable telemedicine, telehealth, distance educational, HIE and other services

Phase 3 – Potential Services 9 Academic health centers, health systems, HIEs and others offer broadband enabled service applications TELEMEDICINEEMRCME GROUND ROUNDS RIS - PACS PRACTICE MANAGEMENT E - PRESCRIPTION ANY OTHER DESIRED OR NEEDED SERVICE

Other Considerations TxHINC network can be “regionalized” by RHP –RHP may be able to contribute the individual facility 25% contribution for infrastructure TxHINC network can be leveraged by the ONC/ state funded HIEs –HIEs have close geographic alignment with many of the RHPs

Process Participation requires signing a letter of agency which is your permission to allow TxHINC to act as the sole point of contact with the FCC for the project No upfront dollars required Participation remains voluntary FCC will verify that each facility actually exists and is eligible for the funds; consequently we need to notify FCC by June 1 of facilities that want to participate

Contact Hank Fanberg, Associate Project Coordinator –Cell –Office