Connecticut House Bill HB07131

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/15/19
• Refer: 2/15/19
• Report Pass: 3/1/19
• Refer: 3/15/19
• Report Pass: 3/21/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Entity Established To Implement The Program Expediting Development Of The State-wide Health Information Exchange.

Impact

The legislation repeals and modifies existing statutes regarding health information management, establishing a new framework for collaboration between public and private stakeholders. By positioning the State-wide Health Information Exchange as a neutral entity, the bill aims to safeguard consumer data while ensuring that the exchange benefits all residents and healthcare providers in Connecticut. Through this act, multiple stakeholders are empowered to make informed healthcare decisions, enhancing public health outcomes and promoting transparency in patient information exchange.

Summary

HB07131 is an act concerning the establishment of a program aimed at expediting the development of a State-wide Health Information Exchange in Connecticut. The program is designed to assist healthcare providers, insurance entities, and consumers by promoting patient-centered care, improving the quality and safety of healthcare services, and reducing wasteful practices through better data sharing and clinical decision-making. The act proposes creating an independent entity designed to facilitate the exchange and enhance the governance surrounding health information sharing in the state.

Sentiment

The reception towards HB07131 appears to be largely positive, as it aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize healthcare practices in Connecticut and improve access to critical health information. Stakeholders, including healthcare providers and patient advocates, generally express favorable views regarding the potential for better care delivery resulting from streamlined information exchange. However, there are underlying tensions related to data privacy, consumer control, and the proper implementation of such a system, which merit further discussion and scrutiny as the bill progresses.

Contention

Despite the overall positive sentiment, some points of contention have emerged related to the governance and operational aspects of the proposed entity overseeing the State-wide Health Information Exchange. Critics have raised concerns regarding the potential for inadequate oversight, data security issues, and the risks of governance structures that may not fully represent consumer interests. The effectiveness of the entity's board of directors, comprised of diverse expertise, is also being closely monitored to ensure it addresses the varying needs of healthcare stakeholders.