In order to facilitate the use and dissemination of health information technology, the state of Massachusetts created an E- Health Institute.  The E-health Institute must facilitate the adoption of health information technology by increasing the use of electronic health records by providers to improve health care delivery and coordination, by creating an interoperable statewide electronic health record network, and by promoting the dissemination of other technologies that will improve health care quality and reduce cost.  The law requires an electronic health record plan that allows for the following capabilities:

• Allow the seamless transfer of information among health care providers, health plans and other authorized users;
• Allow consumers to have secure electronic access to their health records;
• Meet all state and federal privacy ad security regulations;
• Allow for interoperability;
• Give patients the option of selecting which providers can disseminate individually identifiable health information;
• Have public health reporting capabilities;
• Allow the reporting of other information as needed.1

Massachusetts also sets forth requirements for any entity receiving funding for the adoption of health information technology.  These requirements include having a patient opt-in or opt-out plan, maintaining health information technology securely, having a log of individuals or organizations that have accessed individually identifiable information, and maintaining a list of users of the health information network.2

Massachusetts law also establishes the Health Care Quality and Cost Council, whose purpose is to encourage statewide health information technology adoption to facilitate health care quality and disparities reduction.3