S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 9E.3 of S.L. 2021-180 adds a new section to the Medical Care Data Act (Article 11A of Chapter 131E) pertaining to the duty of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide limited access to patient data. The new law requires data to be provided at no charge and in a manner and format of DHHS's choosing to any person or organization under contract with DHHS to provide medical care quality improvement services. The data provided must be the minimum necessary data components of compiled patient data as determined by DHHS and prepared for release or dissemination by a statewide data processor to the State Health Director pursuant to the law. The term, “medical care quality improvement services” for purposes of this section means evaluation of medical quality of healthcare performance.

A person or organization that receives patient data in accordance with this section is subject to the following requirements and limitations:

• Is prohibited from using the patient data for any purpose other than to fulfill its performance under the terms of the contract with DHHS.
• Must maintain confidentiality of the data.
• Must not retain the data beyond the term of its contract with DHHS.

This section became effective November 18, 2021, when the act became law.