BACKGROUND:
Louisiana's statewide immunization registy, the Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide (LINKS) has been in operation since Jan 2001. Integration efforts using different export standards to include HL7 have been piloted and put into operation. One key integration effort is using a real time interface with a large urban hospital in New Orleans.

OBJECTIVE:
Impart the key issues with using the CIRCET HL7 Implemenation Guide in a hospital environment. Relate Lessons Learned, implmentation and pilot plans.

METHOD:
Data was collected vary different partners in the effort to include state, hospital, and vendors. Results will be presented in a Powerpoint presentation.

RESULT:
Strategic partnerships, HL7 development efforts, interface piloting and deployment, white paper results document.

CONCLUSION:
Integration with any high volume immunization provider is always a significant event - however using the HL7 standard in a real time manner with a hospital who is making the data available through out its clinical operations was a major effort and success. This environment and project can an will be replicated in many state and registries. The lessons learned in the project may assist other states in these actions.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Understand HL7 capabilites
Understand HL7 Implementation Guide's strengths and weaknesses
Understand and appreciate the Lessons Learned in the Project