§16-29B-25. Data repository.

(a) The authority shall:

(1) Coordinate and oversee the health data collection of state agencies;

(2) Lead state agencies’ efforts to make the best use of emerging technology to affect the expedient and appropriate exchange of health care information and data, including patient records and reports; and

(3) Coordinate database development, analysis, and report to facilitate cost management, review utilization review and quality assurance efforts by state payor and regulatory agencies, insurers, consumers, providers, and other interested parties.

(b) A state agency collecting health data shall work through the authority to develop an integrated system for the efficient collection, responsible use, and dissemination of data and to facilitate and support the development of statewide health information systems that will allow for the electronic transmittal of all health information and claims processing activities of a state agency within the state, and to coordinate the development and use of electronic health information systems within state government.

(c) The authority shall establish minimum requirements and issue reports relating to information systems of state health programs, including simplifying and standardizing forms and establishing information standards and reports for capitated managed care programs.

(d) The authority shall develop a comprehensive system to collect ambulatory health care data.

(e) The authority may access any health-related database maintained or operated by a state agency for the purposes of fulfilling its duties. The use and dissemination of information from that database shall be subject to the confidentiality provisions applicable to that database.

(f) A report, statement, schedule, or other filing may not contain any medical or individual information personally identifiable to a patient or a consumer of health services, whether directly or indirectly.

(g) A report, statement, schedule, or other filing filed with the authority is open to public inspection and examination during regular hours. A copy shall be made available to the public upon request upon payment of a fee.

(h) The authority may require the production of any records necessary to verify the accuracy of any information set forth in any statement, schedule, or report filed under the provisions of this article.

(i) The authority may provide requested aggregate data to an entity. The authority may charge a fee to an entity to obtain the data collected by the authority. The authority may not charge a fee to a covered entity to obtain the data collected by the authority.

(j) The authority shall provide to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability before July 1, 2018, and every other year thereafter, a strategic data collection and analysis plan:

(1) What entities are submitting data;

(2) What data is being collected;

(3) The types of analysis performed on the submitted data;

(4) A way to reduce duplicative data submissions; and

(5) The current and projected expenses to operate the data collection and analysis program.

(k) The Secretary of the Department of Health may assume the powers and duties provided to the authority in this section, if the secretary determines it is more efficient and cost effective to have direct control over the data repository program. To the extent that the secretary assumes the powers and duties in this section, the secretary shall inform the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability by July 1 of each year, regarding each program for which he or she is exercising such authority and shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code within the time limit to be considered by the Legislature during its next regular session. In the event the secretary has already assumed the powers and duties provided to the authority in this section, the secretary shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code within the time limit to be considered by the Legislature during the regular session of the Legislature, 2023.