Washington Revised Code Title 41. Public Employment, Civil Service, and Pensions § 41.05.039. Health information--Secure access--Lead organization--Director’s duties

(a) Improve patient access to and control of their own health care information and thereby enable their active participation in their own care; and

(b) Implement methods for the secure exchange of clinical data as a means to promote:

(a) Be representative of health care privacy advocates, providers, and payors across the state;

(b) Have expertise and knowledge in the major disciplines related to the secure exchange of health data;

(c) Be able to support the costs of its work without recourse to state funding. The director and the lead organization are authorized and encouraged to seek federal funds, including funds from the federal American recovery and reinvestment act, as well as solicit, receive, contract for, collect, and hold grants, donations, and gifts to support the implementation of this section and RCW 41.05.042;

(d) In collaboration with the director, identify and convene work groups, as needed, to accomplish the goals of this section and RCW 41.05.042;

(e) Conduct outreach and communication efforts to maximize the adoption of the guidelines, standards, and processes developed by the lead organization;

(f) Submit regular updates to the director on the progress implementing the requirements of this section and RCW 41.05.042; and

(g) With the director, report to the legislature December 1, 2009, and on December 1st of each year through December 1, 2012, on progress made, the time necessary for completing tasks, and identification of future tasks that should be prioritized for the next improvement cycle.

(a) Participate in and review the work and progress of the lead organization, including the establishment and operation of work groups for this section and RCW 41.05.042; and

(b) Consult with the office of the attorney general to determine whether: