CT SB00403

Establishes the Connecticut e-Health Authority as a public body corporate to manage health information technology and exchange initiatives, replacing the advisory committee structure with a board of directors effective January 1, 2011.

Board composition includes the Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner of Public Health (as chairperson), three Governor appointees, four legislative appointees, and ex-officio nonvoting members from relevant state agencies; initial appointments due by October 1, 2010, with staggered terms of one to four years and a two-term limit.

Directs the authority to develop and implement electronic data standards for health information exchange that include security and privacy protections meeting or exceeding HIPAA requirements, Social Security number encryption, and electronic audit trails for access to health information.

Transfers lead responsibility for statewide health information exchange from the Department of Public Health (through December 31, 2010) to the Connecticut e-Health Authority (starting January 1, 2011), with authority to seek private and federal funds and award grants for health information technology advancement.

Extends state financing and liability protections to the Connecticut e-Health Authority, adding it to statutes governing state authorities' borrowing authority, bond issuance, and director/officer liability protections.