The New Mexico House of Representatives passed an electronic medical records bill today that would require security and privacy protections associated with the use of electronic medical records. SB 278, sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth, is part of the Governor's legislative health reform agenda, which includes insurance reforms, electronic medical records, and public insurance consolidation. The bill now heads to Governor Bill Richardson for his signature.

"I applaud the Legislature for passing this bill, which will encourage more providers to use electronic medical records because their patients' information will be confidential," said Governor Richardson. "New Mexico can reduce errors and control costs by moving from paper to electronic records."

The Electronic Medical Records Act:

-- Clarifies individual rights with disclosure of information contained in electronic medical records
-- Provides for the accurate retention and accessibility of electronic medical records
-- Allows individuals to request that their records be excluded from a record locator service
-- Requires the service provide a log indicating who has accessed a client's medical record and for what purpose
-- Establishes electronic medical records systems as the legal equivalent of existing non-electronic medical records

The New Mexico Department of Health is now using electronic medical records in all public health offices around the state. The records allow the Department's public health staff to analyze and tailor services to match the needs of patients. The Department of Health also helped 122 providers in 36 communities set up an electronic medical records system in their practice. About 15 percent of providers or 600 physicians in New Mexico use electronic medical records.

"New Mexico is helping providers in both the public and private sector use this technology to share clinical data for better patient care," said Health Secretary Dr. Alfredo Vigil.

Source
New Mexico Department Of Health