Technical Assistance for Interoperability Program for Behavioral Health Providers

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Behavioral Health Administration (BHA), is issuing a Request for Applications (RFA) to provide investment in the hardware, software, and training needed for Behavioral Health providers to adopt, upgrade, and/or optimize their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. The program aims to establish an Interoperability Program for Behavioral Health Providers, which would enable the onboarding and connection of these providers to CRISP, Maryland's Health Information Exchange. Eligible applicants include non-profit, for-profit, or governmental entities with experience working with Maryland Medicaid providers and behavioral health providers. The RFA outlines three program tracks based on the providers' needs: adopting and implementing a new EHR, implementing and upgrading an existing EHR, or upgrading/optimizing an existing EHR. Applicants must submit their proposals via eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) by May 22, 2024. The anticipated duration of services is one year, and the agreement resulting from this solicitation shall be a firm fixed price. MDH-BHA intends to make multiple awards if needed to fulfill the requirements of this RFA.

The RFA notes that behavioral health providers are often excluded from funding sources like the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, and this program aims to address that gap. The RFA does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, nor does it list any incumbent vendors or current contractors. The available budget range for this program is not provided in the RFA.