Sec. 19a-25d. State-wide health information technology plan. Designation of lead health information exchange organization. - Connecticut Statutes

      Sec. 19a-25d. State-wide health information technology plan. Designation of lead health information exchange organization. (a) As used in this section:

      (1) "Electronic health information system" means an information processing system, involving both computer hardware and software that deals with the storage, retrieval, sharing and use of health care information, data and knowledge for communication and decision making, and includes: (A) An electronic health record that provides access in real-time to a patient's complete medical record; (B) a personal health record through which an individual, and anyone authorized by such individual, can maintain and manage such individual's health information; (C) computerized order entry technology that permits a health care provider to order diagnostic and treatment services, including prescription drugs electronically; (D) electronic alerts and reminders to health care providers to improve compliance with best practices, promote regular screenings and other preventive practices, and facilitate diagnoses and treatments; (E) error notification procedures that generate a warning if an order is entered that is likely to lead to a significant adverse outcome for a patient; and (F) tools to allow for the collection, analysis and reporting of data on adverse events, near misses, the quality and efficiency of care, patient satisfaction and other healthcare-related performance measures.

      (2) "Interoperability" means the ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and to use the information that has been exchanged and includes: (A) The capacity to physically connect to a network for the purpose of exchanging data with other users; (B) the ability of a connected user to demonstrate appropriate permissions to participate in the instant transaction over the network; and (C) the capacity of a connected user with such permissions to access, transmit, receive and exchange usable information with other users.

      (3) "Standard electronic format" means a format using open electronic standards that: (A) Enable health information technology to be used for the collection of clinically specific data; (B) promote the interoperability of health care information across health care settings, including reporting to local, state and federal agencies; and (C) facilitate clinical decision support.

      (b) On or before November 30, 2007, the Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Office of Health Care Access and within available appropriations, shall contract, through a competitive bidding process, for the development of a state-wide health information technology plan. The entity awarded such contract shall be designated the lead health information exchange organization for the state of Connecticut for the period commencing December 1, 2007, and ending June 30, 2009. The state-wide health information technology plan shall include, but not be limited to:

      (1) General standards and protocols for health information exchange.

      (2) Electronic data standards to facilitate the development of a state-wide, integrated electronic health information system for use by health care providers and institutions that are funded by the state. Such electronic data standards shall (A) include provisions relating to security, privacy, data content, structures and format, vocabulary and transmission protocols, (B) be compatible with any national data standards in order to allow for interstate interoperability, (C) permit the collection of health information in a standard electronic format, and (D) be compatible with the requirements for an electronic health information system.

      (3) Pilot programs for health information exchange, and projected costs and sources of funding for such pilot programs.

      (c) Not later than December 1, 2008, and annually thereafter, the Department of Public Health, in consultation with Office of Health Care Access, shall report, in accordance with section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, human services, government administration and appropriations and the budgets of state agencies on the status of the state-wide health information technology plan.

      (June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-2, S. 68.)

      History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 07-2 effective July 1, 2007.