NY regional HIEs to merge

Southern Tier Healthlink (STHL) and Taconic Health information and Community (THINC), which collectively span 11 counties across the Hudson Valley, Catskills and Southern Tier, are planning to merge into a single entity called HealthlinkNY.

The combined HIEs will offer secure electronic access to statewide health information for both participating providers and patients in the region. HealthlinkNY will be governed by a 20-person board as the existing leadership team and staff members from both HIEs support the new Qualified Health IT Entity (QE), according to a press release.

The merger occurs as the state is beginning to connect QEs to the Statewide Health Information Network of New York. New York is the first large state to create a public utility network of this kind, which is supported by funding included in the governor's budget earlier this year.

"New Yorkers will see their healthcare improve as a direct result of this important union between THINC and STHL. By joining forces, we will be able broaden our current services for patients and doctors, and expand our policy work,” said Susan Stuard, executive director of Taconic Health Information Network and Community, in a statement.