NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to HB 416

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Health Policy Commission (HPC)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of HAFC Amendment

The House Appropriations and Finance Committee amendment to HB610 removes the appropriation of $130.0 to the Health Policy Commission. The agency will absorb any additional administrative or fiscal impact into their appropriated capacity.

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 610 appropriates $130.0 to the Health Policy Commission to develop and establish standards for health care data definitions and electronic data exchange for new or re-designed health data systems.

Significant Issues

According to the agency, federal legislation requires health care entities to adopt minimum health data and exchange standards for some healthcare claims/insurance transactions. This bill enhances the Administrative Simplification section of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 by building on the federal legislation to establish data standards for all electronic health data exchange.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

This bill appropriates $130.0 from the general fund for expenditure in FY 2000. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 2000 will revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Health Policy Commission will be required to contract for personal services to review existing legislation, standards, definitions, and to facilitate the development of standards with public and private health care entities. In addition, the HPC will be required to establish procedures for the routine review, modification, enhancement, and expansion of the standards. These administrative activities will be absorbed by the HPC within their existing capacity.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

Relates to House Bill 416, Health Data and Exchange Standards Act, also sponsored by Representative Salazar.

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