WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

41.05.042 - Health information -- Processes, guidelines, and standards.

Health information — Processes, guidelines, and standards.

By December 1, 2011, the lead organization shall, consistent with the federal health insurance portability and accountability act, develop processes, guidelines, and standards that address:

     (1) Identification and prioritization of high value health data from health data providers. High value health data include:

     (a) Prescriptions;

     (b) Immunization records;

     (c) Laboratory results;

     (d) Allergies; and

     (e) Diagnostic imaging;

     (2) Processes to request, submit, and receive data;

     (3) Data security, including:

     (a) Storage, access, encryption, and password protection;

     (b) Secure methods for accepting and responding to requests for data;

     (c) Handling unauthorized access to or disclosure of individually identifiable patient health information, including penalties for unauthorized disclosure; and

     (d) Authentication of individuals, including patients and providers, when requesting access to health information, and maintenance of a permanent audit trail of such requests, including:

     (i) Identification of the party making the request;

     (ii) The data elements reported; and

     (iii) Transaction dates;

     (4) Materials written in plain language that explain the exchange of health information and how patients can effectively manage such information, including the use of online tools for that purpose;

     (5) Materials for health care providers that explain the exchange of health information and the secure management of such information.