COMPASS Project (formerly known as OWITS)

NOTE: The OWITS project has changed its name to reflect all the components of the project. The project will now be known as COMPASS. For specific information on the OWITS electronic health records (EHR), please click on the EHR link within the right hand navigation menu on this page.

The Addictions and Mental Health (AMH) Division envisions a comprehensive behavioral health electronic data system that interfaces with other health information systems in an effort to improve care, control cost and share information. The Community Outcome Management and Performance Accountability Support System (COMPASS) project will allow AMH to meet this vision.

What is COMPASS Project?

The COMPASS project is a collaborative information technology approach to the administration, planning and monitoring of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Treatment Programs. The purpose of COMPASS is to provide software that facilitates cooperation and collaboration across treatment providers by enabling the sharing of client treatment information (within the constraints of HIPAA and 42CFR regulations).
 
COMPASS Fact Sheet 

Why now?

Federal health care reform will require electronic health records (EHR) to be associated with all billing for Medicaid and Medicare services. Additionally, current State legacy systems have become antiquated and lack integration among internal systems, which adversely affects AMH's ability to meet our business needs, health information technology business needs, and the goals of House Bill 3650 (Coordinated Care Organizations).

The new system will allow AMH to meet business needs and requirements and will provide a data system that more readily supports the ability to know:

• Performance outcomes associated with services;
• Who accesses services, what services are provided, where and when; and
• The cost effectiveness of services.

What are the different components of COMPASS?

• Electronic Health Records (EHR): Publicly funded Behavioral Health providers of those that are required to submit AMH data that have no Electronic Health Record can use this free EHR. The EHR meets the federal meaningful use criteria and assists providers in accessing federal incentive payments.
• Electronic Data Interchange: Providers that already have an EHR can export data to the state, thus reducing duplicate data entry.
• Minimum Data Entry: Smaller providers that do not have the capacity to implement and manage an EHR can use a secure "Web E-form" to enter the required data.
• AMH Contracts and Payments System: The new processes will streamline contracts and billing by moving to a web-based electronic process.
• Data Repository: A warehouse where all data received is stored will allow AMH and its partners to monitor and evaluate the services it funds.

What if my agency already has an EHR in place?

It is great if your agency already has an EHR. The COMPASS project team is currently developing the system that will allow you to transfer your data to us in order for an agency to meet the AMH data submission requirements. The new system will be replacing CPMS, however will have additional features.

Even if you don't use the OWITS EHR, agencies (CMHPs) that receive funds from AMH will be part of the COMPASS contracts and payment system. More information on this system will be coming in the summer of 2012

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