FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5501

C 300 L 09

Synopsis as Enacted

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).

Senate Committee on Health & Long-Term Care

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

House Committee on Health & Human Services Appropriations

Background: Patient and health care provider access to and exchange of health care information is often confusing, limited and inconsistent. In 2005 the Legislature established the Health Information Infrastructure Advisory Board (HIIAB) in an effort to address this issue. The Health Care Authority (HCA) collaborated with the HIIAB to develop a strategy for the adoption and use of electronic medical records and health information technologies consistent with emerging national standards. In its final report 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.

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Costs and Access (Commission) noted in its 2007 Final Report that “patient safety is compromised and resources wasted when health care providers and patients lack access to health information when its most needed.” The Commission went on to recommend that Washington State develop a system to provide electronic access to patient information from anywhere in the state and include incentives for providers to purchase health information technology.

Summary: By August 1, 2009, the HCA administrator must designate a lead private sector organization to develop guidelines and standards to improve patient access to their own health care information and implement methods to exchange clinical data securely. This lead organization must be representative of state health care privacy advocates, providers, and payors. It must also have expertise in areas related to the secure exchange of health data and be able to support the cost of its work without resorting to the use of public funding. The lead organization must provide regular updates to the HCA. The HCA must review the work of the lead organization and consult with the Attorney General. The lead organization must attempt to minimize the implementation costs for participating entities. By December 1, 2011, the lead organization will develop guidelines identifying high value health data, processes to exchange data, data security, and explanatory information for patients and health care providers, consistent with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Votes on Final Passage:

Effective: July 26, 2009