TX Governor Greg Abbott signs "Ken's Bill" in an effort to promote improved health data interoperability

On June 19, 2015, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed "Ken's Bill" (HB 2641) into law in an effort to promote improved and expanded interoperable health data exchange in accordance with national data exchange standards.  The bill, which is named after Ken Pool, MD, allows health-related information to be transmitted through local Health Information Exchanges to the appropriate state public health agencies and imposes liability on healthcare providers for blocking health information sharing.  The bill also calls for future health information technology acquisitions by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. "Ken's Bill" will go into effect Septemer 1, 2015. See the press release from OZ systems here.