OHS Updates REL Standards Includes Disability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hartford, CT) - Connecticut's Office of Health Strategy (OHS) released an updated version of its standards for the collection of Race, Ethnicity, Language (REL), and Disability (REL-D) data. The update, released as Version 4.0 of the standards OHS initially launched in 2022, introduces significant enhancements to advance health equity and improve healthcare outcomes for Connecticut residents.

Connecticut's standards now incorporate, for the first time, the collection of disability status data, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare needs of this diverse population. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's Disability and Health Data System, the age-adjusted prevalence of disability among Connecticut's adults was 25.7 percent in 2022, or more than 700,000 people.

"The integration of disability information into healthcare data is a crucial step towards more personalized and equitable care," said Amy Porter, Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services. "This approach not only acknowledges the unique needs of individuals with disabilities but also facilitates tailored healthcare services."

"Connecticut has made significant efforts to address health disparities impacting Connecticut communities," said Sumit Sajnani, Health Information Technology Officer for OHS. "Our ability to collect granular data on race, ethnicity, language, and now disability, help us identify and address disparities in access to care and health outcomes through better health policy and decision-making. Our ability to do that effectively depends on the collaboration of healthcare providers across the state."

All provider organizations are required to follow the OHS-published standards and implementation plan in alignment with Connecticut Public Act 21-35 (Conn. Gen. Statutes 19a-754d). OHS provides proactive support and guidance to providers to help them incorporate new standards into data collection protocol.

"REL data are an essential tool to promote health equity," said Mark Schaefer, Vice President, System Innovation and Financing, Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA).  "We appreciate the updated version of the toolkit for the collection of these data that align with federal standards and, most importantly, offer choices that better reflect how patients view their own race and ethnicity.  This information will help advance equitable healthcare delivery and access to high-quality care for all patients and improve health equity in our communities."

"Having patients self-report their race, ethnicity, and language preference is critical to ensuring that health systems can identify and address disparities in care and outcomes to deliver the best possible care for all," said Tiffany Donelson, president and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation. "We know from other states that having this data can lead to improved care and reduce inequities. We are proud of the progress that many Connecticut health care providers, state agencies, and other organizations have made through the REL collaborative learning network. We invite others to learn more and consider participating so that collectively, we can make Connecticut better for all."

The Connecticut Health Foundation launched the REL collaborative learning network in partnership with Yale University's Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) and Global Health Leadership Initiative (GHLI) in 2021, following the release of a blueprint for advancing the use of REL data to improve health. The network continues to meet and operate in partnership with OHS.

Erika Linnander, DrPH, MBA, Director of Yale's GHLI, has hosted a series of outreach webinars this month to provide health centers, primary care practices, behavioral health providers and hospitals and health care systems with tools to support collection and use REL data.  "The REL collaborative learning network has already engaged more than 120 stakeholders representing over 50 organizations," said Linnander.  "With support from the Connecticut Health Foundation, we're continuing to work with OHS to offer learning forums, coaching sessions, and peer support to help providers advance their efforts." Providers can sign up to participate in the REL collaborative learning network by completing a brief sign-up survey online.

The OHS Version 4.0 of the REL Implementation Toolkit, REL Implementation Plan, and REL Data Collection Standards align with new federal standards, Statistical Policy Directive No. 15.

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