Arkansas Code Title 20. Public Health and Welfare § 20-7-302. Legislative intent

The General Assembly finds that as a result of rising healthcare costs, the shortage of health professionals and healthcare services in many areas of the state, and the concerns expressed by care providers, consumers, third-party payors, and others involved with planning for the provision of health care, there is an urgent need to understand patterns and trends in the availability, use, and costs of these services. Therefore, to establish an information base for patients, health professionals, and hospitals, to improve the appropriate and efficient usage of healthcare services, and to provide for appropriate protection for confidentiality and privacy, the Department of Health shall act as a state health data clearinghouse for the acquisition and dissemination of data from state agencies and other appropriate sources to carry out this subchapter.