News Summary
New York State has partnered with Oracle to create a new electronic health record (EHR) system, investing $218 million to enhance mental health services across state-run facilities. The initiative will streamline patient record management and improve efficiency for clinicians statewide. Implementation will occur over two and a half years across 22 inpatient psychiatric hospitals and 300 outpatient programs. Oracle’s advanced technology aims to replace outdated systems and improve patient care through innovative features, including AI capabilities and voice recognition.
Albany, New York – New York State has awarded a $218 million contract to Oracle for the development of a new electronic health record (EHR) system aimed at enhancing the state’s psychiatric hospitals and outpatient clinics. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, this partnership is set to modernize the existing infrastructure that supports New York’s mental health services.
The new EHR system will be implemented across 22 state-run inpatient psychiatric hospitals, two research centers, and approximately 300 outpatient programs, including day treatment clinics, mobile units, and residential facilities. This comprehensive rollout, which is projected to take about two and a half years, is designed to streamline the management of 25,000 unique patient records used by around 12,000 clinicians and administrators statewide.
Oracle, a multinational technology company based in Austin, Texas, is tasked with consolidating patient records into a single system and standardizing clinical protocols across New York’s behavioral health care system. The new EHR system aims to resolve current challenges stemming from a patchwork of electronic medical record systems utilized by various facilities, which complicates information sharing and access to patient data.
According to the New York State Office of Mental Health, many of the facilities involved have relied on outdated infrastructure that in some cases has been in operation for over two decades. The transition to a modernized system is essential in providing clinicians with the necessary tools to improve their delivery of behavioral health care.
In addition to its core functions, the new EHR system will leverage cloud technology and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to enhance user experience. These innovations include a voice recognition feature that allows clinicians to access critical patient information efficiently, minimizing the need for navigation through complex menus.
Oracle reported revenues exceeding $57 billion for the last fiscal year, a significant increase attributed to its acquisition of Cerner, a major electronic health records provider, for $28 billion in 2022. This acquisition is part of Oracle’s broader strategy to enhance its health care offerings, including the newly awarded EHR system in New York.
The early adoption program for the new Oracle EHR system is scheduled to begin next year. Prior to the rollout, discussions are planned with customers to determine necessary customizations to the system. Furthermore, Oracle aims to streamline existing products for current Cerner clients to facilitate their transition experience.
This initiative not only reflects New York State’s commitment to modernizing its mental health services but also signals a significant investment in technology infrastructures critical for improving patient outcomes in mental health care. As the state moves forward with this implementation, stakeholders hope to see improved efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of behavioral health services across the state.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s New York: New York Selects Oracle to Build Mental Health Records System
- Wikipedia: Electronic Health Record
- CNBC: Oracle Announces New AI-Powered Electronic Health Record
- Google Search: Oracle healthcare
- TechCrunch: Oracle Under Fire for Its Handling of Security Incidents
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Care
- Oracle: North York General Becomes First Hospital in Canada to Migrate EHR to OCI
- Fierce Healthcare: After Accidental Deletion Brought Down EHRs, CHS Says Hospital’s Downtime Nearly Over
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
