Passing AB 1331 will support a healthier California

OPINION – California is at a critical juncture in its mission to enhance health data exchange and transform its health care delivery system. Assembly Bill 1331 (Wood) is a key legislative step to realize the full potential of the Data Exchange Framework (DxF) and address the systemic barriers that hinder effective data sharing across the state, a necessary foundation for better health and well-being for all Californians.

The DxF requires data exchange among most health entities, including crucial alerts and notifications from hospitals, emergency departments (EDs), and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to providers that are critical in the patient’s follow-up care. It also mandates the exchange of social service information, positioning California as a leader in enabling truly patient-centered, whole person care. The DxF aims to eliminate the confusion and burden that both providers and individuals face when seeking care and support.

Assembly Bill 1331 (AB 1331) advances data sharing by addressing inconsistencies with adoption and compliance by further empowering the Center for Data Insights and Innovation (CDII), granting it the authority to oversee the establishment, implementation, and all related functions of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) DxF. This bill also supports the creation of the CalHHS Data Exchange Board, which will be responsible for developing recommendations, and reviewing, modifying, and approving changes to the data sharing agreement. This enhanced governance structure is essential for ensuring that the framework evolves to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

AB 1331 deeply affects the quality of care Californians receive. Patients enrolled in Medi-Cal and other public programs often face redundant and burdensome enrollment processes, requiring them to seek and provide information (that is often the same) multiple times. Despite these efforts, many still do not receive the services they need. This inefficiency further marginalizes and disenfranchises individuals already facing barriers to getting care. Additionally, patients struggle to access their own health information, hindering their ability to advocate for their care, particularly when transitioning between health plans or providers.

Patients and their care teams benefit immensely when health care is integrated and coordinated with social services, such as housing or nutrition assistance. The essence of improving health data exchange is ensuring that the right data reaches the right places to support providers and help patients receive the care they need. It is vital that patients have their information shared seamlessly with their health care providers to receive comprehensive, timely, and effective care. This integrated approach also reduces the burden on patients and their caregivers to manage health information, allowing them to focus on their well-being while ensuring that providers have access to all necessary data.

Momentum is building for the DxF, but this does not necessarily mean that all information is being shared effectively or that instances of intentional information blocking are being addressed. AB 1331 is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee, to be revisited in August. Patients, providers, and all health and social service entities should be encouraging their representatives to pass this bill.

California patients and providers deserve better. AB 1331 offers us a clear path forward to accelerate statewide data sharing and ultimately, equitable patient health and high outcomes. We must strive for more than the current status quo.

Timi Leslie leads Connecting for Better Health, a coalition that strives to improve data sharing infrastructure with a goal of transforming health and social outcomes. She is also president of consulting firm BluePath Health and has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry.