Perfected

SCS/SBs 858 & 868 - This act establishes the Healthcare Technology Fund, which shall be administered by the department of social services. The fund shall be created no later than July 1, 2006 or the effective date of this act, if the effective date is after July 1, 2006.

Upon appropriation, moneys in the fund shall be used to promote technological advances to improve patient care, decrease administrative burdens, and increase patient and health care provider satisfaction. Any programs or improvements on technology shall include encouragement and implementation of technologies intended to improve the safety, quality and costs of health care services in the state.

The department shall promulgate rules setting forth the procedures and methods for implementing the provisions the section.

This act also provides that no moneys in the fund shall be appropriated or expended for products or services provided by a business or corporation where a public official or state employee who has direct decision-making or administrative authority over disbursements from the fund has a certain interest in the business or corporation.

This act also provides that at least twenty-five percent of the funds annually disbursed shall be dedicated to technological upgrades and promotion of technological advances in medically under-served communities and populations.

This act contains an emergency clause.

ADRIANE CROUSE


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