New Hampshire Vital Statistics Administration
Challenge
Although based on a more modern client-server technology, the State of New Hampshire's vital records application, Vital Records Vision 2000 (VRV2000), did not meet the present days needs of the Vital Records Office. With records dating back to 1640, the VRV2000 provided a centralized vital records database to capture vital events (i.e., birth, death, marriage, divorce, and fetal death), but limitations imposed by out-dated technology and related upgrade costs prevented the system from being used in the most efficient and effective way. The State selected CNSI to develop a web-enabled solution that could fulfill their vital event record requirements, ensure real-time access and data accuracy, and provide scalability and flexibility to accommodate growth.
Solution
CNSI designed, developed, and implemented the Vital Record Information Network (NHVRIN), which offered an n-tier architecture based on .NET technology. This framework allows for the separation of logic, to isolate the layers -- presentation, business, and database -- and allow for easier maintenance, updates, and changes. The presentation layer defines the user interface, allowing input, search, and output of data (e.g., forms, reports, dialog, and message boxes) by authenticated users (i.e., login and password defined). The business layer is the bridge that processes data entry, user requests, and data output, while defining user roles and permissions. The business layer is comprised of the actual registration modules for death, birth, marriage, divorce, and fetal death. This layer performs the bulk of the code processing, and, in conjunction with the COTS product, Crystal Report.NET, allows the application to format the data to print on the State's existing certificates and forms. The database layer stores the data, stored procedures, and database functions, preventing the user from becoming bogged down in the database layer, which, in turn, leads to greater functionality and performance of the system.
A key portion of the solution is the incorporation of the Haley Rules Engine, a COTS product, to accommodate the ever-changing business rules environment, without the burden or expense of redesigning and coding the software to make those changes. Featuring an English language interface, it allows rules to be updated without having to recompile the program or requiring programmers to hard code the changes into code modules. This unique interface also gives the State's personnel the ability to update the rules while maintaining strict change control.
Results
The application is now easily maintained by in-house staff. Software upgrades are no longer expensive and problematic, and user access is greatly improved. Connectivity has become less of an issue, and the ability to enter all Vital Records information via a web-based interface now exists. This capability allows for one time entry of data, replacing the legacy capability that required re-keying of data at different steps in the process. This has facilitated more efficient data entry by personnel closest to the data source and has resulted in both improved operational efficiency and improved accuracy of data.
Success
The NHVRIN has replaced the VRV2000, providing a fully integrated software system for collecting, editing, registering, and issuing vital records. It is one of the first completely web-based vital records systems in production with all modules. The system is compliant with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) 2003 revisions and edits. CNSI's solution also supports and enforces all federal and state rules, regulations, and policies applicable to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.
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