Wash. Rev. Code § 41.05.039

Health information — Secure access — Lead organization — Administrator's duties

The Administrator must have, by August 1, 2009, contracted with at least one “lead organization” to develop standards and guidelines addressing (1) patient access and control of their health care information and (2) the means of facilitating secure exchange of clinical data so as to improve care quality, continuity, efficiency, and patient safety.

Private entities are eligible for consideration as a “lead organization” if (1) they represent “health care privacy advocates, provides, and payors;” (2) they have experience and knowledge regarding “the secure exchange of health data:” (3) they do not require state funding to accomplish their tasks; (4) they agree to establish work groups; (5) they agree to reach out and communicate with relevant stakeholders in order to “maximize the adoption” of their standards and guidelines; (6) they agree to submit progress reports to the administrator; and (7) they agree to submit progress annual reports to the legislature between 2009 and 2012.

The Administrator must review the lead organization’s work and consult with the attorney general about antitrust and privacy concerns.

Related Laws: Wash. Rev. Code § 41.05.033