Health Professions Regulatory Fund

House Bill 5354

Sponsor:  Representative McDowell

House Committee:  Appropriations

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5354 AS INTRODUCED

            House Bill 5354 amends the Public Health Code by permitting the Department of Community Health to use monies in the Health Professions Regulatory Fund to support health information technology initiatives contingent upon appropriations by the Legislature and approval by the Governor.  This bill also eliminates language which speaks to the abolishment of the Official Prescription Form Program Fund as monies in this fund have been transferred to the Pain Management Education and Controlled Substances Electronic Monitoring and Antidiversion Fund.

FISCAL IMPACT:

            The Fiscal Year 2006-07 carry forward amount from the Health Professions Regulatory Fund was $10.9 million.  Executive Order 2007-3 reduced funding for the Health Information Technology Initiatives line item within the Department of Community Health budget by $7,250,000. However, Public Act 7 of 2007 offsets the reduction by $7,250,000 due to the availability of monies in the Health Professions Regulatory Fund.  The budget adjustment included in the supplemental act requires a statutory change as provided for in House Bill 5354.

            The Health Information Technology Initiatives line item in FY 2006-07 provides $5.0 million GF/GP to create a statewide healthcare information system designed to streamline the sharing of medical information so patients and doctors have comprehensive access to medical information.  The balance of $4.5 million Gross ($2,250,000 GF/GP) is specifically for a pilot project in SE Michigan related to the electronic exchange of health information.

                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analysts:  Margaret Alston

                                                                                                                          Steve Stauff

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.