(a) The Office of Health Information Technology is created within the Department of Health.
(b) The coordination of health information technology activities throughout Arkansas by the Office of Health Information Technology is necessary to obtain the maximum potential value from the investment of federal and state resources to increase the use of health information technology.
(c) The exchange of health information made possible by the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange can improve the quality of health of Arkansas citizens by reducing the potential for medical errors, reducing the incidence of redundant tests and procedures, improving patient safety, and making the delivery of healthcare services more efficient and affordable.
(d) The office and the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange shall respect and safeguard each person's privacy interests in his or her health and medical information.
(e) The office is authorized to transfer the State Health Alliance for Records Exchange to a nonprofit corporation.