Arkansas Code Title 20. Public Health and Welfare § 20-7-303. Collection and dissemination of health data

(b)(1) In consultation with advisory groups appointed by the secretary with representation from hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, health profession licensing boards, and other state agencies, the department should:

(2) To maximize limited resources and to prevent duplication of effort, the department may consider, when appropriate, contracting with private entities for the collection of data as set forth in this section subject to this subchapter.

(c)(1) All state agencies, including health profession licensing, certification, or registration boards and commissions, which collect, maintain, or distribute health data, including data relating to the Arkansas Medicaid Program, shall make available to the department such data as are necessary for the department to carry out its responsibilities under this subchapter or such rules as may be adopted as provided in § 20-7-305.

(2) If health data are already reported to another organization or governmental agency in the same manner, form, and content or in a manner, form, and content acceptable to the department, the secretary may obtain a copy of the data from the organization or agency, and no duplicate report need be submitted by the organization.

(3) All hospitals and outpatient surgery centers licensed by the state shall submit information in a form and manner as prescribed by rules by the State Board of Health pursuant to § 20-7-305. However, if the same information is being collected by another state agency, the department shall obtain the data from the other state agency.