HB 7131 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Section 17b-59g to establish a program expediting development of Connecticut's State-wide Health Information Exchange, effective October 1, 2019.

• Authorizes the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and executive director of the Office of Health Strategy to establish or incorporate a nonprofit entity to implement the health information exchange program, with ownership and governance potentially held by non-state parties.

• Creates a board of directors comprised of at least 7 members serving two-year terms: consumer advocate, clinical medical doctor, hospital administrator, corporate law/finance expert, group health insurance expert, Chief Information Officer, and health information technology officer (who serves as chairperson).

• Grants the entity power to employ staff, solicit funding from federal, public, and private sources, collect and remit fees for exchange access, retain consultants, maintain state offices, procure insurance, and borrow money for working capital.

• Requires vacant board positions to be filled within 60 days by the appointing authority, with the Governor authorized to make appointments if the designated appointing authority fails to act.