Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
SSB 5501
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the secure exchange of health information.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Keiser, Pflug, Franklin, Parlette, Murray and Kohl-Welles).
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/19/09
Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146)
Background:
The Health Care Authority (HCA) has worked with the Health Information Infrastructure Advisory Board (HIIAB) to research and pilot a system of health record banks to promote community electronic information sharing since 2005. There are currently three pilot programs in operation. The pilot programs are intended to facilitate the secure exchange of health information when and where needed between patients and health care providers. As part of its work, the HIIAB recommended that health record banks be implemented, consumers be involved in the development of health record banking, health care providers be encouraged to adopt electronic medical records, and the state provide funding for the implementation plan.
Summary of Bill:
The administrator of the HCA is required to designate one or more lead organizations to coordinate the development of processes, guidelines, and standards related to patient access to and control of their health records and secure exchange of clinical data. If the lead organization does not develop or implement the guidelines, standards, and processes by December 1, 2011, the administrator is required to adopt the guidelines, standards, and processes by rule, or submit them as proposed legislation.
The administrator and the lead organization are authorized to seek federal funds, grants, donations, and gifts to implement the act. Within available funds, the administrator will make annual reports to the Legislature beginning on December 1, 2009, on the implementation of the act. Within available funds, the Office of Financial Management will contract with an independent research organization to evaluate the act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested 3/16/09.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.