This bill amends various sections of Nebraska's statutes to strengthen the state's prescription drug monitoring program and enhance population health information management. Key provisions include the requirement for all prescription drug information to be reported to the monitoring system, with prescribers and dispensers now required to pay an access fee. Additionally, the statewide health information exchange is authorized to charge fees for access to prescription drug information. The bill establishes the Population Health Information Assessment Fund to collect fees from pharmacy benefit managers for the operational use of the monitoring system. It also introduces new definitions related to the prescription drug monitoring system, emphasizing the confidentiality of prescription drug information and outlining conditions for data sharing in compliance with federal privacy regulations.

Furthermore, the bill expands the Population Health Information Act by adding new provisions for the designated health information exchange and the prescription drug monitoring program. Notable insertions include definitions for "nonfederal costs," "operator," and the creation of the "Population Health Information Assessment Fund." The act now mandates participation from health care facilities and insurance plans in sharing clinical information, allowing the operator to charge these entities for participation. Starting July 1, 2025, the operator will also be required to pay a quarterly assessment to cover nonfederal costs associated with the health information exchange. The Department of Health and Human Services will determine the assessment amount and ensure compliance among managed care organizations regarding claims information sharing, all while maintaining strict patient privacy protections. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage due to an emergency clause.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 71-2454