Title: An act relating to health information technology.

Brief Description: Adopting health information technology to improve quality of care.

Sponsors: House Committee on Health Care (originally sponsored by Representatives Morrell, Wallace, Clibborn, Cody, Flannigan, Simpson, Green, Ormsby, Springer, Kilmer, Moeller, Kagi and Conway; by request of Governor Gregoire).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/08/06, 75-23.

Committee Activity: Health & Long-Term Care: 2/20/06, 2/22/06 [DPA, w/oRec].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.Signed by Senators Keiser, Chair; Thibaudeau, Vice Chair; Franklin, Kastama, Kline and Poulsen.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senators Deccio, Ranking Minority Member; Benson, Brandland, Johnson and Parlette.

Staff: Edith Rice (786-7444)

Background: The State Health Care Authority (Authority) is the state agency which administers state employee insurance benefits and the Basic Health Plan, which is the state subsidized health insurance program for low income persons. The Authority is also generally responsible for coordinating the study and implementation of state initiatives regarding health care cost containment. This includes using evidence-based medicine in its contracts in order to develop performance measures and financial incentives related to chronic disease and health information technology.

In 2005, the Authority was directed to establish the Washington Health Information Infrastructure Advisory Board (Board). The Authority is required to collaborate with the Board to develop a strategy for the adoption and use of electronic medical records and health information technologies. The Authority and the Board have issued their preliminary report and the final report is due December 1, 2006.

Summary of Amended Bill: When contracting for state-purchased health care and considering options for cost containment and delivery alternatives in state-purchased health care programs, the Authority must promote and increase the adoption of health information technology systems by hospitals, integrated delivery systems, and providers. The Authority may achieve this through reimbursement and state health purchasing strategies as well as pilot studies. The health information technology systems must:

• facilitate diagnosis or treatment;
• reduce unnecessary duplication of medical tests;
• promote efficient electronic physician order entry;
• increase access to health information for consumers and their providers; and
• improve health outcomes.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill: A section is added which requires the Department of Corrections to create a demonstration project for an integrated electronic health records system to expedite the transfer of inmate health information between state and local correctional facilities. Recommendations are due to the Legislature by December 31, 2006.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.