Transforming Healthcare in Florida: CRISP Shared Services Upgrades the State's Health Information Exchange

In a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Florida, CRISP Shared Services (CSS) has been appointed as the new platform for the Florida Health Information Exchange (Florida HIE). The announcement was made on June 24, 2026, outlining a partnership aimed at enhancing health infrastructure and ushering in a new era of interoperability and patient care.

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) governs this initiative, which represents a major upgrade to the existing health information exchange operation that has been in place since 2011. The transition to CSS marks an essential shift towards a more integrated healthcare system that emphasizes better access, coordination, and cost-effectiveness in delivering health services to Floridians.

Enhanced Interoperability and Care Coordination

Under the leadership of Shevaun Harris, the Secretary of AHCA, the new health information exchange is set to go live on July 1, 2026. Harris emphasized that the goal is to ensure healthcare providers can deliver their best work by accessing the right information precisely when needed. The transition promises to bolster patient care through better communication and data sharing among healthcare providers.

With CRISP Shared Services at the helm, Florida HIE plans to significantly increase the participation and coverage of healthcare entities within its network. This includes a projected 5% increase in hospital bed coverage—adding nearly 3,500 beds—and an over 200% increase in skilled nursing facilities joining the system. These expansions aim to ensure that healthcare delivery can adequately meet the growing demands of Florida's diverse population, particularly its more vulnerable groups in rural areas.

Eliminating Financial Barriers

One of the standout features of the upgraded Florida HIE is the new fee structure, which waives annual fees for small to mid-sized healthcare providers. This decision reflects CSS's commitment to fostering a robust health information network while alleviating the financial burden on safety-net providers and community health organizations. By promoting predictable budgeting, this initiative aims to remove significant administrative challenges, thus encouraging broader participation.

Moreover, the CSS platform enhances event notification delivery, providing real-time alerts to healthcare providers about patient encounters in hospitals. This functionality ensures that critical data, such as admissions and transfers, are seamlessly integrated into clinical workflows, tailored to meet the specific needs of various organizations.

Expanding Data Integration

CSS is also set to broaden the types of data integrated within Florida HIE. By adopting national standards for interoperability, the platform will facilitate quicker integration of diverse data types, including consolidated clinical documents and other significant health information. This expansion prioritizes the quality and comprehensiveness of patient data, encompassing vital diagnostic results, medications, and historical clinical observations.

Supporting Rural Health Initiatives

Importantly, the Florida HIE will act as the backbone for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Rural Health Transformation Program, aimed at improving healthcare delivery in rural regions. This initiative aligns with the state's broader goal of transforming healthcare through innovative technology and thoughtful policies.

Conclusion

Craig Behm, president and CEO of CSS, highlighted the mission of Florida HIE to transform healthcare across the state. By elevating access, affordability, and service delivery, Florida HIE is on the cusp of setting a new standard for health information usability among providers and organizations, ultimately unlocking new opportunities for improvement in patient care.

As onboarding prepares to ramp up through the coming months, AHCA and CSS remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition on the go-live date of July 1, 2026. For additional information about Florida HIE or to learn how to participate in this pivotal shift in Florida's healthcare landscape, interested parties can visit Florida HIE's official website.