A prominent RHIO failure in 2006 caused uproar in the HIT community. Where was this RHIO located?

• A. Hartford, CT
• B. New York, NY
• C. San Francisco, CA
• D. Santa Barbara, CA

Answer: (D)

Regional health information exchanges are only as strong as their governance, funding, and broad participation. In 2006, a high-profile RHIO collapse occurred in Santa Barbara, California, drawing considerable attention in the HIT community. The Santa Barbara RHIO struggled with sustainable funding, clear governance, and consistent participation from multiple providers. Without stable leadership, a clear data-sharing framework, and a compelling, shared incentive for hospitals, clinics, and physicians to join and exchange data, the system couldn’t be kept operational. This failure highlighted how essential governance structures, viable financial support, and alignment among stakeholders are to the long-term viability of health information exchange initiatives. While other regions such as Hartford, New York, and San Francisco pursued RHIO efforts, the notable publicized setback in Santa Barbara is the one most often cited as a cautionary example from that era.