BILL ANALYSIS
By: Delisi
Committee Report (Substituted)
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Recent advances in health care information technology have created opportunities to improve patient outcomes, increase efficiency, and save money within the entire health care system. The establishment of a Health Care Information Technology Advisory Committee under the auspices of the Health and Human Services Commission would help ensure that the State is taking full advantage of these opportunities to improve the Texas health care system.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.
ANALYSIS
C.S.H.B. 794 provides that, not later than January 1, 2006, the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission shall appoint an advisory committee on health care information technology. The committee must include representatives of interested groups, including the academic community and various associations of health care professionals.
The advisory committee is required to develop a long-range plan for health care information technology, including the use of electronic medical records, computerized clinical support systems, computerized physician order entry, regional data sharing, and other methods of utilizing information technology to pursue cost effectiveness and better patient outcomes.
Members of this advisory committee are not compensated, but are entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses. Chapter 2110, Government Code, does not apply to the committee.
The advisory committee is required to deliver its recommendations to the Legislature and the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission not later than September 1, 2006. The committee is abolished, and this Act expires, September 1, 2006.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute differs from the original by adding associations of health plans and pharmacies to the list of interested groups that must be represented on the advisory committee.