Can I use a third-party vendor to send and receive data from the Florida HIE?

Yes. If selecting a third-party vendor, you will still need to sign the Florida HIE’s Participation Agreement with CSS first and then identify the party you are allowing to work with your data on your organization’s behalf. Once this has been completed, a business associate agreement (BAA) attestation must be signed and sent back to CSS for record keeping.

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) suggests that you be aware of the following when making the decision on using third-party vendors:

• Fees: Organizations need to be aware of any additional fees third-party vendors may charge in addition to the Florida HIE fee schedule.
• Data usage: Organizations should be vigilant of any agreements with third-party intermediaries and their use of data, including engaging in the sale of data or distribution of data outside the state of Florida without patient consent.
• Future innovations: A direct connection to the Florida HIE may offer greater flexibility by allowing for easier scalability to additional feeds and services in the future.
• Payment: For transparency, CRISP Shared Services does not permit pass-through billing with any hub connections and will invoice and collect payment directly from the participant.