During the recent Health IT Data Governance Workgroup Meeting held by the Colorado Office of eHealth Innovation, significant discussions centered around the sharing of data from the Colorado Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). This meeting, which took place on April 25, 2025, highlighted the importance of data sharing agreements tailored to specific use cases, particularly in the context of improving care coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness.

A key focus was on the development of appendices for each data-sharing agreement, which will detail the specific arrangements for sharing housing and coordinated entry data. Appendix A of the agreement outlines the types of data to be shared, including client identification, enrollments, assessments, referrals, client addresses, and household contact information. This structured approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of services provided to vulnerable populations.

The meeting also addressed the legal framework governing this data sharing. The discussions emphasized compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the HMIS data and technical standards established in February 2004. It was clarified that the data being shared is classified as personally identifiable information (PII) rather than protected health information (PHI), which has implications for privacy and data protection measures.

The implications of these discussions are significant for the state's efforts to address homelessness. By establishing clear guidelines and legal authority for data sharing, Colorado aims to improve the coordination of care for individuals in need, ultimately leading to better outcomes for this vulnerable population. As the workgroup continues to refine these agreements, the focus will remain on ensuring that data sharing is both effective and compliant with existing regulations.