San Francisco health officials announce notice of intent to award Epic EHR contract

The San Francisco Health Commission was told the department has issued a notice of intent to award an enterprise electronic health record (EHR) contract to Epic, a step that project leaders described as advancing but not completing the contracting process.

"So today, I am happy to report that we've issued a notice of intent to award the contract to Epic," Director Garcia told commissioners, calling it an important milestone while noting negotiations and other procedures remain. Bill Kim, the department's chief information officer, reminded the commission that the notice of intent is a contracting step, not the final certified contract.

The EHR implementation is planned as a phased rollout. "As of that date July 2019, we will effectively have an EHR that's up and running in the organization," Bill Kim said, explaining the department intends a staggered go-live so staff can be available for frontline support. He said the team is aiming for contract certification by January of the following year and acknowledged the timeline is "very aggressive."

Department leaders emphasized the work ahead: contract negotiations, vendor management and a series of readiness teams to prepare clinical and technical staff. Director Garcia and Bill Kim thanked staff and the contracting team for extensive work on the procurement and implementation plan. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether July 2019 referred to a partial or full launch; Kim confirmed it refers to phase one of a staggered implementation.

Next steps include contract negotiations during the notice period, further committee briefings and a full status report scheduled for the commission on Sept. 29. The commission did not take a formal vote on the contract at this meeting; officials said additional approvals will follow completion of negotiations and contract certification.