What You Should Know
- The Launch: HHS Secretary Kennedy has announced nine nationwide pilot programs across 9 states to test new data standards that bridge the gap between physical and behavioral healthcare.
- The Tech: The pilots will test the USCDI+ Behavioral Health dataset and FHIR® implementation guides in real-world settings, specifically addressing complex privacy rules like 42 C.F.R. Part 2.
- The Timeline: Funded by a $20M+ SAMHSA investment, these pilots will run through the end of 2026. Findings will shape a national “Behavioral Health Information Resource” slated for release in 2027.
Testing the “USCDI+ BH” Standard
The core technology being stress-tested here is the USCDI+ Behavioral Health (USCDI+ BH) dataset. Standard Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are often ill-equipped to handle the nuance of behavioral health data. The USCDI+ BH dataset was developed by ASTP/ONC and SAMHSA to create a standardized language for this care.
The nine pilots—spanning Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C.—will involve 45 exchange partners. They will test:
- Data Elements: Can real-world clinicians capture the specific data points needed for mental health care using these new standards?
- FHIR Integration: Will the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources® (FHIR®) implementation guides actually work when moving data between different systems?
The Privacy Puzzle: 42 C.F.R. Part 2
Perhaps the most difficult challenge these pilots face is privacy. Behavioral health records, particularly those involving substance use, are protected by federal regulations known as 42 C.F.R. Part 2, which are far stricter than HIPAA.
Historically, this has paralyzed data exchange. Software vendors often block data sharing entirely rather than risk a violation. These pilots are explicitly tasked with implementing “provider-informed” projects that solve for consent management and Part 2 compliance, attempting to find a technical workflow that respects privacy without blocking care.
“These pilots are a critical step toward breaking down the barriers currently impacting the interoperable exchange of behavioral health data,” said Dr. Tom Keane, Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy (ASTP) and National Coordinator for Health IT.
