Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $218 million initiative to modernize New York State’s mental health system through the implementation of a new electronic health record (EHR) system. The project, led by Oracle Health, will establish a unified EHR across 24 state-run inpatient psychiatric centers, two research facilities, and more than 300 outpatient programs, with the goal of streamlining psychiatric care.
"Health records are a central component that help guide mental health treatment and ensure those who rely on our psychiatric centers and programs are receiving the best possible care," Governor Hochul said in a press release. The initiative is expected to not only improve patient experiences but also reduce administrative burdens – allowing clinicians to hone in on delivering quality care over paperwork.
The ambitious transition to a singular EHR system, according to the Office of Mental Health (OMH), will integrate patient records between facilities, ensuring that patient information flows freely and efficiently, and is compliant with national behavioral health care standards. This marks a shift from the current system, where OMH relies on multiple, often outdated, electronic record systems that are difficult to integrate and contribute to fragmented patient care.
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan stated that the new system is intended to provide healthcare professionals with reliable tools and resources across both inpatient and outpatient settings. By improving access to up-to-date patient information, the system aims to support informed care decisions, enhance safety, and create a more efficient workflow that reduces time spent on administrative tasks.
This major tech upgrade will take approximately 29 months to roll out and is scheduled to support some 12,000 users across inpatient and outpatient services, including clinics, correctional facilities, and residential services. Oracle’s EHR is marked to facilitate both the clinical and business functions of these facilities. New York State Chief Information Officer Dru Rai emphasized the commitment of the Office of Information Technology Services to support the OMH in actualizing the project, reflecting the ongoing efforts to enhance mental health care services in New York.
In a statement provided by Oracle Health, Seema Verma, the company’s executive vice president and general manager, emphasized the need for reliable, continuous care in the field of mental health. She told the Governor's office, "Mental health is often a long-term journey - one that requires deep understanding and continuity of care - and it is critical for clinicians to have a comprehensive view of a patient’s health history and treatment path."
