Oakland County Health Division's E-Health Information System

The Oakland County Health Division offers a new process for accepting and approving applications for Well and Septic permits. The Health Division needed to automate the process so sanitarians could increase productivity by performing tasks more efficiently and citizens would receive final approval faster.

Oakland County has designed, developed and implemented the E-Health system using the latest Web-based technologies, including Global Positioning System (GPS), Geographic Information System (GIS), digital aerial photography, Geo XT devices and wireless tablets. The system enables the online submission of applications, sketches and payments via the Oakland County Web site. The system prompts applicants to enter complete and accurate information, ensuring that the application is ready for processing. Data is captured, stored and processed using a built-in workflow. E-Health staff process applications and document construction inspections, using wireless tablets. Upon final inspection, sanitarians again use the Geo XT device to capture a point and record the actual location of the Well or Septic system. Using an automated workflow, an administrator receives new applications and reviews and assigns based on existing workload and current location. The County's GIS database is automatically updated with the new information.

By the end of the session the audience will be aware of the tremendous impact E-Health has had on the business processes for Oakland County's Health Division. The process of handling permit applications has been revolutionized by the integration of leading-edge Internet technology. Permit handling time has decreased and citizens and administrators are able to manage workflow and work assignments more efficiently. Consistency has been improved to meet and exceed Minimum Program Requirements by providing automated tools and built in mandatory system requirements that solidify Health Division business practices. Reduction in errors through this new technology has reduced the risk of liability for the County.