Revises provisions relating to electronic health records. (BDR 40-381)
AB7 is set to significantly reform health information management within the state by imposing compliance deadlines and establishing the authority to initiate penalties against providers that fail to adhere to the new standards. It empowers the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services to enforce these regulations, thus centralizing oversight of health information exchanges. While proponents highlight the bill's potential to enhance patient care through improved data access and sharing, critics voice concerns about the burden placed on smaller healthcare providers, particularly those not yet equipped to adapt to these electronic requirements. Moreover, the bill expands liability protections for healthcare providers using these systems, potentially reducing the risks associated with EHR inaccuracies.
Assembly Bill No. 7 (AB7) focuses on electronic health records (EHRs) and establishes a regulatory framework for the electronic maintenance, transmission, and exchange of health-related information. It mandates that governmental entities, health care facilities, insurers, and various providers must comply with electronic record-keeping standards, promoting interoperability across health information systems. The bill outlines strict timelines for compliance with these regulations, starting from July 1, 2024, for larger health establishments and extending to smaller practices by 2030. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for patients to have access to their health records and grants them the ability to authorize sharing their EHRs with other entities.
The main points of contention revolve around the practicality of compliance for smaller practices and the implications of mandatory participation in electronic health information exchanges. Some stakeholders argue that the deadlines may be overly ambitious and financially burdensome, especially for solo practitioners and small groups who might not have the necessary infrastructure. There is a fear that the measures taken against non-compliance could lead to excessive penalties, threatening smaller providers' stability in the healthcare market. In contrast, supporters argue that a standardized approach to health information will ultimately benefit patients and providers alike by streamlining record access and improving overall healthcare outcomes.