Governor Pat Quinn has signed a law establishing a Health Information Exchange Authority to operate the Illinois Health Information Exchange.

House Bill 6441, the Illinois Health Information Exchange and Technology Act, is intended to both promote and facilitate sharing of health information among health care providers within Illinois and between states, and to encourage widespread adoption of electronic health records. The law provides for an advisory committee to the Authority and an eight-member board to govern the authority. By 2015, every state agency that implements, acquires, or upgrades health information technology systems must use systems and products that meet the minimum standards adopted by the Authority.

"Creating a more effective, efficient and secure health care system is a top priority of my administration," said Governor Quinn in a press release. "The sharing of electronic medical records through a Health Information Exchange will help ensure that everyone in Illinois receives the best health care possible."

All identified or de-identified health information in the form of health data or medical records in the Exchange will be exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

Adapted in part from a press release from Governor Quinn.

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