HHS Initiates Nine Pilot Programs to Address Behavioral Health Data Challenges
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Kennedy, has launched nine pilot programs across nine states to test new data standards aimed at bridging the gap between physical and behavioral healthcare. These pilots will utilize the USCDI+ Behavioral Health dataset and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) implementation guides in real-world settings. A significant focus of these pilots is to address the complex privacy regulations under 42 C.F.R. Part 2, which are stricter than HIPAA and have historically hindered data exchange. The pilots, funded by a $20 million investment from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will run through the end of 2026. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of a national Behavioral Health Information Resource, scheduled for release in 2027. 
