ELR Prerequisites
- Confirm your LIS/EHR can generate HL7 v2.5.1 ELR messages with LOINC and SNOMED-CT codes.
- Ensure your lab holds valid CLIA certification.
- If participating in CMS Promoting Interoperability, register intent through the SD Health Link Contact Form.
- Review South Dakota's list of reportable conditions.
- Complete the ELR Connection Questionnaire via SD Health Link.
Implementation Planning
- Request onboarding planning meeting via email DOH.Informatics@state.sd.us.
- Designate an internal ELR implementation coordinator or project manager.
Configuration
- Establish secure transport using methods such as SFTP or TCP/IP.
- Configure LIS for HL7 message generation with complete fields: demographics, specimen, test codes, lab info, etc.
- Coordinate technical routing if using an intermediary (e.g., such as APHL) or HIE.
Connectivity Testing
- Conduct connection test with SD Health Link and SDDOH, verifying successful transmission receipt and (ACK/NACK).
- Test message structure and transport layer functionality.
Message Validation & Soft Go-Live
- Validate HL7 structure and codes using SDDOH-approved validators.
- Perform scenario testing using synthetic data.
- Enter soft go-live with real data and actively monitor feedback from SDDOH.
- Collaborate with LIS/EHR vendor and SDDOH to resolve issues.
Production & PHA Validation
- Maintain manual reporting processes until notified by SDDOH of full validation.
- Sign attestation form
- Await official approval from SDDOH once message quality and content are confirmed.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Keep LOINC and SNOMED test mappings current with emerging conditions or state updates.
- Provide SDDOH with updated contact info and facility lists as changes occur to maintain consistent transmission.
- Participate in periodic audits and resolve data quality issues as needed.
- Track changes to SDCL 34‑22‑12 and ARSD 44:20.
Important: ELR onboarding with SDDOH can take several months. Continue manual reporting until SDDOH provides confirmation of full production status.
Contact
- Email the ELR team at: DOH.Informatics@state.sd.us
- More info: SDDOH ELR Program