Florida Association of RHIOs

Glossary

Resources

Events

Currently, FAR members represent ten HIE projects operating in Florida, and new programs are expected to emerge as a result of federal “Stimulus” funding under ARRA. Each HIE program has defined areas of geographic, population and service coverage, and all are working toward statewide exchange and interoperability. FAR also has a loyal cadre of associate members who represent academia and research, health care policy makers, affiliated healthcare organizations, technology developers and vendors, regulatory and oversight agencies, funders, payers, and community-based organizations.

For information on joining FAR, click here.

For at least 40 years, leaders of the U.S. health care industry have been seeking cost-effective methods to improve patient safety and access to quality care while maintaining high standards for professionalism and confidentiality. The Florida Association of RHIOs (FAR) was started by a group of committed volunteers -- health care researchers, practitioners, managers, teachers, and advocates -- to encourage development of health information networks that secure and enable timely exchange of patient data between providers.

FAR promotes local use of secure electronic Health Information Exchange (HIE) in all regions of Florida, with an eye toward eventual information exchange and analysis on statewide basis. Through user education and training programs, public awareness activity, presentations to legislative and regulatory bodies, participation in research projects, and development of new technologies, FAR works to enable functional HIE activity in all regions across the state. Click here to learn more about the resources and benefits of HIE.

Florida emerged as a leader in the national movement electronic Health Information Exchange when the Florida Legislature established the Florida Health Information Network (FHIN) Grants Program in 2005. The Legislature authorized $5.5 million in FHIN grant funds, which were used to support HIE projects implemented by the Regional Health Information Organizations (RHIO’s). In 2007, leaders of these projects organized the Florida Association of RHIOs (FAR) to maximize collective resources and work toward shared goals. While each Florida RHIO or HIE has unique services and operations, FAR provides a unifying voice and coordinating resource for advocacy, education and collaboration.


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