NCDHHS launches new electronic health record system for 13 health facilities

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services have launched a new electronic health record system for 13 state-operated health facilities.

The new system in patient care will allow for improved and more comprehensive care, the government agency said in a news release, as well as streamlining processes for staff, enhanced security, and improved regulatory compliance.

All 13 facilities provide medical and behavioral treatment of adults and children with mental illness, developmental facilities, substance use disorders and neuro-medical conditions.

"This new electronic health records system is about giving our patients the safest, most coordinated care possible and improving our state's behavioral health system,"said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "By modernizing how we manage health information, we can ensure our providers and partners have the right details at the right time to deliver high-quality care."

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These electric health records can also improve safety by flagging potential drug allergies, harmful interactions and other risks before they become a problem.

The milestone was marked Monday at Cherry Hospital in Goldsboro. The new records system, powered by Epic, went live on August 1.

This system was made possible by Senate Bill 538, which directed NCDHHS to implement electronic health records across state psychiatric hospitals.

"Folks that have been in a state health facility will have their records available at any facility that uses the Epic system.This will lead to better healthcare for all North Carolinians,"said Senator Jim Burgin, one of the main sponsors of the bill.

As part of the Epic system, some state operated facilities will have access to health data through MyChart online portal.