In early May, 2021, the state of Connecticut launched Connie, the statewide health information exchange. Connie was established pursuant to CGS Sec. 17b-59d to empower patients to make effective health care decisions, promote patient-centered care, improve the quality, safety, and value of health care, reduce waste and duplication of services, support clinical decision-making, keep health information confidential and secure, and make progress toward the state's public health goals.
While physicians and other healthcare providers can join Connie at any time, by May 3, 2023, every physician with an electronic health record system must apply to begin the process of connecting to, and participating in, Connie. Physicians without an electronic health record system shall be capable of sending and receiving secure messages that comply with the Direct Project specifications published by the federal Office of the National Coordination for Health Information Exchanges. See CGS Sec. 17b-59e
In April 2021, the county medical association sponsored a webinar Connie: The Statewide Health information Exchange - What You Need to Know. The recording and slide presentation can be found HERE. (Call HCMA if password is required.)
In order to participate as a provider in Connie, physicians must sign an agreement. The Association's general counsel, Garfunkel Wild, PC, reviewed the agreement and that document can be found HERE.
Contact the Association should you have any questions.
