Bill No.: HB0281                  Drafter:  JWL

LSO No.:  09LSO-0523              Effective Date:  7/1/2009

Enrolled Act No.:  HEA0081

Chapter No.:       140

Prime Sponsor:     Representative Landon

Catch Title:       Telemedicine-state system.

Subject:  Authorizes collaborative promotion of an interoperative statewide telemedicine/telehealth network.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Current law at W.S. 9-2-117(a)(vi) directs the Office of Rural Health ("the Office") within the Department of Health to coordinate and plan the development of a statewide telemedicine capability.

· This act amends that direction to the Office and adds additional detail by providing that:

· The Office collaborate with the state health officer and the state chief information officer to facilitate the planning and operation of a telemedicine/telehealth network;

· The Office represent the Department in a consortium of state agencies, private health organization and professional and community organizations to facilitate the operation of a statewide interoperative telemedicine/telehealth network;

· The network use existing Internet, videoconferencing and telecommunication services to the extent possible;

· The consortium promote statewide standards, definitions and standards for electronic health transactions, and conduct education for users regarding security;

· The Office and state CIO coordinate with state agencies to provide incentives for secure telemedicine/telehealth exchanges under Medicaid.