AR SB516

Appropriates $10,000,000 to the Office of Health Information Technology for grants to increase electronic health records adoption, improve patient care, reduce costs, and enhance health information exchange efficiency for fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.

Restricts grant eligibility to entities that are based in Arkansas, have operated for at least 10 years, are certified for Meaningful Use by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, and are capable of transmitting medical images in compliance with HIPAA and HITECH Act requirements.

Requires eligible entities to offer continuing education opportunities and HIPAA-compliant messaging, collaboration, and referral services.

Mandates that funding be awarded and disbursed within 60 days after funds are released to the Office of Health Information Technology.

Declares an emergency clause to make the Act effective July 1, 2013 and requires compliance with state purchasing laws and fiscal control regulations.