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History and Purpose of a Management Information System
In 1997 the Panhandle Partnership for Health and Human Services (PPHHS) designed a service model that focused on the person
being served. The service model was a step-by-step flow chart of what would happen with any individual seeking services from
any agency in the Nebraska panhandle. Extensive time was spent discussing intake, coordination of multiple services between
agencies and who provides coordination of resources that an individual or family receives.
After the service model was designed the PPHHS Technology Committee reviewed the requirements for a Management Information
System (MIS) that would meet the requirements of the service model and support the development of effective and efficient
integrated services for clients and families. The Technology Committee selected a web-based software developed by Bowman Internet
Systems called ServicePoint.
ServicePoint is a highly secure, real-time software system that enables agencies to manage their clients' information
and is fully compliant with HIPAA's (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) strict privacy and security requirements
for protecting client data. Specialized features provide agencies the ability to refer clients, coordinate services, plan
and manage programs, generate aggregate reports and capture information needed for reporting to funders.
Many agencies in the Nebraska panhandle did not have a real-time system to manage client information at the time ServicePoint
was purchased. While ServicePoint assisted in filling the gap in agency technology, the larger purpose of purchasing ServicePoint
as a collaborative was to be able to implement the PPHHS vision and ease of access to services for clients.
In June 2005, PPHHS joined other collaborative health and human services groups serving the State of Nebraska and formed
the Nebraska Management Information System (NMIS). The founding collaborative members of the NMIS are the Panhandle Partnership
for Health and Human Services, Lincoln Lancaster Continuum of Care, and Community Action of Nebraska.
The NMIS was formed as a statewide shared web-based information management system using ServicePoint as its proprietary
software. The NMIS is a Nebraska non-profit organization administered by its coalition members. The web and database servers
that contain all encrypted client information and agency records are physically located in a secure facility at a location
under contract with NMIS.
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