ITEM 293 – Pages 279-280 of Chapter 3 (2006-2008 Biennium)

P.1.a. Out of this appropriation, $750,000 in the first year and $800,000 in the second year from the general fund shall be provided to encourage the adoption of electronic health records throughout the Commonwealth.

b. The Governor shall establish an Advisory Committee on Electronic Health Records for the purpose of developing recommendations for the design and implementation of electronic health records systems in Virginia that will advance interoperability while protecting patient privacy. Members of the Advisory Committee shall be appointed by the Governor and shall be composed of a representative from the hospital industry, a practicing physician, a representative of a pharmaceutical manufacturer, a representative of a licensed health insurance carrier, a corporate purchaser of health care, consumers, the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, the Virginia Information Technology Agency, the Department of Human Resource Management, and other members as appointed by the Governor. The Secretary of Health and Human Resources and the Secretary of Technology shall serve as co-chairs of the Advisory Committee. Beginning October 1, 2007 and each year thereafter, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the Governor and the General Assembly an annual report of its activities, findings and recommendations.

2. Of this appropriation, $250,000 the first year shall be used to match private funding available for a pilot project developing a Master Patient Index. The Department of Health shall report to the Governor, the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees, and the State Board of Health on the progress of the implementation of the pilot project by November 1, 2006.

3. Of this appropriation, $500,000 the first year and $800,000 the second year shall be used to issue grants to providers for the acquisition of electronic health records.