Data Management Division
This new unit is responsible for all of the EMS Agency’s data collection, analysis and management obligations. This new unit was developed to ensure that data management is well-coordinated, comprehensive and allows for system analysis. Efforts to integrate all of the various databases continue to reduce redundancy. This new unit will also ensure that data elements collected and the associated definitions will be standardized across all databases as most EMS related data are interrelated between EMS providers and hospitals.
This new section of the EMS Agency will support the reporting responsibilities of the other EMS units such as the Ambulance Licensing and Monitoring Sections, EMS Provider Programs, Hospital Programs, Office of Certification and Program Approvals, and Disaster Management and Response.
EMS Providers are converting their paper-based medical records to electronic patient care records (ePCR) due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA has also brought to the forefront the need for integration of EMS data systems and hospital data systems. In fact, The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services continues to work collaboratively with the State EMS Authority and the local EMS Agencies to address the need to implement Health Information Exchange (HIE) systems. This has been identified as a critical need to comply with the ACA and address disaster management needs such as patient tracking, mass casualty management, family reunification, etc. This section is responsible for seeking solutions, funding sources (i.e., grants), planning and implementation to support these initiatives.
State and Federal data reporting and submission requirements continue to increase and data collection requirements related to disease specific Specialty Care Centers continue to increase in complexity, all of which require the local EMS Agencies to provide complex patient level data reports. Specific functions of this unit include the following:
- Prepare and develop reports, and datasets in response to requests from Board of Supervisors, hospitals, EMS providers and the public
- Provide technical assistance and consultation to hospital and EMS personnel regarding timely and accurate data collection and submission
- Support hospital and EMS provider reporting requirements
- Assist with research
- Support system wide quality improvement and performance monitoring activities