AR SB257

Transfers the Office of Health Information Technology to the Department of Health as a type 2 transfer under Arkansas Code § 25-2-105, effective as an enactment of Acts 1971, No. 38.

All authority, powers, duties, functions, records, personnel, property, and unexpended appropriations transfer to the Department of Health, with the Director of the Department of Health assuming all rulemaking, regulation, and licensing functions.

Amends the Office's duties to authorize transfer of the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange to a nonprofit corporation, with the Office retaining operational control until that transfer occurs.

Changes appointment authority for the Health Information Exchange Council from the Governor to the Director of the Department of Health and removes the Director of the Department of Health as a council member.

Modifies the Coordinator's role from "executive officer" to being selected and serving in a manner prescribed by the Department of Health Director, and changes the Office's authority to adopt rules to only recommend rules to the State Board of Health.