VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5064-S

May 4, 2005

To the Honorable President and Members,

The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to electronic medical records and health information technologies;"

This bill creates the Washington Health Information Advisory Board (WHIAB), and encourages the use of health information technology to support high quality, cost-effective health care. Section 3 of the bill directs all agencies under the control of the Governor, including those not involved in health related issues, to render full assistance to the WHIAB, giving rise to an issue of governance.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 3 Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064.

I direct the Health Care Authority and WHIAB, however, to assess existing information technology systems of health care providers, state agencies, and third-party payers; identify current national trends in the development of information technology systems & standards; determine the feasibility of integrating and connecting existing systems; and identify available government or private grants for the study of or implementation of health information systems. The Health Care Authority may still enter into appropriate contracts and coordinate with agencies under existing statutes.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064.

With the exception of Section 3, Substitute Senate Bill No. 5064 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor