Two PA Technology Initiatives Named Finalists for National Awards

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Administration Sharon Minnich announced today that two state information technology initiatives have been selected as finalists by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) for its 2016 recognition awards.

The initiatives by the Department of Human Services and Patient Safety Authority were among 37 finalists selected from over 130 nominations. Winners in 11 categories will be announced at NASCIO's annual conference this fall.

"These are just a few examples of how our state agencies are utilizing technology to operate more efficiently and improve the effectiveness of programs," said Secretary Minnich. "These projects are making Government that Works better for Pennsylvania."

NASCIO presents the Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology awards to states that have implemented exceptional programs which have made an important contribution to the operation of state government. This is the 28^th year for the awards program.

The two Pennsylvania finalists are:

Enterprise IT Initiatives: Department of Human Services – Advanced Enterprise Web Services Security and Governance
The Department of Human Services implemented technology solutions to streamline security controls for exchanging data between the department and federal, state and county government entities, as well as internal and external applications. The solution secures and monitors over 50 million transactions per month. The project has streamlined the overall security management process and made it easier to comply with new federal standards for interfacing between human services' IT systems. The project can serve as a model for other agencies and states currently facing the security, integration, legacy modernization, standardization and governance challenges surrounding the secure exchange of data through web services.  

Emerging and Innovative Technologies Finalist: Patient Safety Authority – Patient Safety Visual Analytics Reporting System
In 2015, the Patient Safety Authority launched its Visual Analytics Reporting System so its staff, who consult with Pennsylvania healthcare facilities, could build customized, web-based data queries and analytic reports. The system has enabled staff to gain new insights from the data (e.g., how gender may influence specific types of medical errors), demonstrating the effectiveness of PSA's programs and creating new opportunities to further assist Pennsylvania healthcare facilities to improve patient safety and reduce medical errors. With a database capturing over 2.5 million events to date, the decision to use this product saved the PSA hundreds of thousands of dollars in database redesign and development.

To learn more about the awards and view all of the finalists, visit www.nascio.org/awards/2016awards.

Media contact: Dan Egan (OA), 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Administration

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us