Interoperability Defined

Interoperability refers to the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information to make better decisions. The term is often used in a technical engineering sense and also in a broader sense, taking into account social, political, and organizational factors that impact performance.

Too many barriers stand in the way of clients getting the services they need. “Interoperability”—a national effort of technological and programmatic coordination—is poised to eliminate many of those barriers. Today, the emergence of “interoperable technology” offers an unprecedented opportunity to connect systems across traditional boundaries in exciting and rewarding ways. This interconnectivity represents the cutting edge for development of new service models and approaches to maximize positive outcomes for children, families and communities.

News

Grant Awards for the “State Systems Interoperability and Integration Projects

The Administration for Children and Families awarded seven grants to state human services agencies as part of the “State Systems Interoperability and Integration Projects” grant opportunity.  Funding for the grants came from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Partnership Fund for Program Integrity Innovation.  The grants will allow states to explore and plan for improved interoperability and integration in eligibility and enrollment, case management, and other related functions needed to streamline administration processes and strengthen program integrity in federal assistance programs across health and human services information technology systems.  These seven State Systems Interoperability and Integration Projects grants went to the states of Colorado, New York, Oklahoma, Illinois, Indiana, California, and Maryland.  The grants will allow ACF to share with all interested state agencies and individuals the lessons learned, best practices, and actionable deliverables and project plans created by the grantees, as well as detailed reports that describe the needs, opportunities, challenges, and risks the grantees faced, mitigated and overcame to develop successful project plans going forward. Too many barriers stand in the way of clients getting the services they need. “Interoperability”—a national effort of technological and programmatic coordination—is poised to eliminate many of those barriers. Today, the emergence of “interoperable technology” offers an unprecedented opportunity to connect systems across traditional boundaries in exciting and rewarding ways. This interconnectivity represents the cutting edge for development of new service models and approaches to maximize positive outcomes for children, families and communities.

Resources Available from ACF to Advance Interoperability Initiatives

Cost Allocation 

Resources related to cost allocation in health and human services systems

Interoperability Toolkit

A compendium of interoperability documents is designed to help state human services agencies connect with their health counterparts and maximize Affordable Care Act benefits.

Interoperability Toolkit 2012
Interoperability Toolkit 2011

National Human Services Interoperability Architecture (NHSIA)

The National Human Services Interoperability Architecture (NHSIA) proposes a framework to facilitate information sharing, improve service delivery, prevent fraud, and provide better outcomes for children and families. For further information contact Joseph Bodmer (joseph.bodmer@acf.hhs.gov)

National Information Exchange Model (NIEM)

NIEM—the National Information Exchange Model—is a community-driven, government-wide, standards-based approach to exchanging information. For further information contact David Tabler (david.tabler@acf.hhs.gov).

NIEM Human Services Domain
NIEM Human Services Domain Charter
NIEM Human Services Domain Operations & Maintenance Plan