Upon approval, this action has an annual cost of $1,209,323 with estimated pension costs of $268,930. The cost will be entirely offset with 100% Hospital Enterprise Fund I.

The Health Services Information Technology (IT) unit is expanding the use of the Epic Electronic Health Record (EHR) network into the Behavioral Health Services (BHS) network. The IT unit is also implementing a project to replace the Echo PSP system with the Echo ShareCare system. Previously five CCHS Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) Information Technology IT staff supported the Behavioral Health Services BHS Echo PSP/InSyst billing application. When the decision was made to expand the use of the Epic electronic health record EHR into the BHS networks, three System Analyst positions were involved with managing the billing system and providing end user training for the PSP/InSyst. The System Analysts were also responsible for the implementation piece of the expansion project, while two Health Services Information Systems Programmer/Analysts were moved to the expansion Development Group. The expansion of the EHR and BHS networks also facilitated the need for two additional Health Services Information Technology Manager positions to manage the Information Technology Training Group. The scope of responsibilities for the IT unit has grown from merely focusing on the training of ccLink applications installed in July 2012, to focusing on all information technology clinical applications, thereby increasing the number and complexity of the applications being taught. Additionally, now more staff is now needed to accommodate the increasing training requirements to where the scope of responsibility is more aligned with that of other Information Technology programs. Currently four contract staff members have been hired to provide additional support and to assist with the expansions increased reporting responsibilities. Due to the expansion of the EHR and BHS networks the (IT) unit is requesting to add seven (7) positions to include one (1) Health Services Programmer/Analyst (LBTC) to perform reporting responsibilities for the ShareCare system as well as serve as backup for the current BHS reporting analyst; two Health Services Information Technology Managers (LBFA) to ensure the effective management and operation of the system and those patient bills are generated; three (3) Health Services Systems Analyst II, (LBTE) to perform system analysis, training and support functions and one (1) Network Analyst II (LBTA) to perform system analysis and support functions. The Department is canceling vacant Information Systems Assistant ll position #7153 as it is no longer meeting the operational needs of the expanded ccLink health information systems.