February 13, 2008
Legislators in the Ocean State have introduced the Rhode Island Health Information Exchange Act of 2008 to facilitate secure patient data exchange as providers prepare to launch an HIE.
The legislation addresses privacy and security issues of an information exchange, which has been under development by the Rhode Island Quality Institute since 2004 through a five-year, $5 million grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The institute partnered with the state to develop the act.
Security measures through the act will ensure patients are aware of the exchange and have given permission to share their data. The exchange is voluntary for both providers and patients, who will have the right to terminate participation at any time, under the new legislation. Consumers also will be able to obtain reports of what information is shared and who is accessing it, as well as notices of security breaches. -- by Jean DerGurahian/ HITS staff writer.
Link: - http://modernhealthcare.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/REG/773002740
