What is CHIRP?
The Children and Hoosier Immunization Registry Program (CHIRP) is a secure web-based application that is administered by the Indiana Department of Health (IDH). An immunization registry program is designed to permanently store a person’s immunization records in an electronic format and are confidential as part of the person’s medial record.
Why nursing home providers need access to CHIRP related to COVID-19 vaccinations:
- Enables a registered and approved vaccine provider to record all newly administered vaccinations.
- Provides immediate access to immunization records of new patients previously seen elsewhere.
- Decreases staff time spent retrieving immunization records.
- Reduces costs: staff time, paperwork, and vaccine use.
- Flag’s opportunities to give needed vaccinations.
- Provides reminder cards and letters resulting in fewer missed appointments.
- Maintains immunization data in a confidential and secure system.
In addition to enhancing care coordination related to COVID-19 vaccinations for current and new admissions, CHIRP is also key to any nursing facility that chooses to directly enroll as a COVID-19 vaccine provider pursuant under IDH’s Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccination guidance.
The Direct Enrollment option allows long-term care facilities to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by enrolling directly at ISDH’s enrollment site (this is different than working with a Long Term Care Pharmacy where the pharmacy handles the vaccination and coordinates with the facility to administer). Under the Direct Enrollment option, the long-term care facility is solely responsible for vaccine ordering, storage, handling, and administration, and for reporting supply and administration information to the state.
How to register and access CHIRP – a two-step process
- The facilities if they are not already registered with CHIRP will need to complete an enrollment form:
- Individual CHIRP users are required to complete a user agreement form.
https://chirp.in.gov/chirp_files/docs/IUA-2016-edit.pdf
Recommendations:
- Enroll in CHIRP to help with care coordination regarding COVID-19 vaccinations.
- Designate individual user or users at your facility.
- Maintain the signed individual user agreement in the employee personnel record.
- Ensure your HR department is aware of the Remove User form that must be completed within 1 week of a designated user’s last day of employment and faxed to CHIRP program at 317-233-8827.
Please forward questions to ldavenport@ihca.org
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