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House approves bill authorizing cost-and-quality health‑care data display when funded
Summary
House Bill 9 authorizes creation of a database to display episode‑of‑care cost and quality data if funds are available; the sponsor said implementation depends on funding and cooperative work from hospitals and a health data committee, while members pressed concerns about the bill's fiscal note estimates for payers.
Representative Michael Morley presented House Bill 9, Health Care Costs and Quality Data, describing it as a measure that would authorize the health committee—when funds are available—to create a database displaying costs and quality for total episodes of care. Morley said the health data committee and an advisory committee would set standards to ensure the information is fair and weighted for risk and case complexity.
Representative Bigelow questioned fiscal assumptions in the bill's fiscal note, noting a first‑year cost estimate to major payers of $200,000–$600,000 and ongoing annual costs of $100,000–$200,000; he asked whether the bill could be implemented if appropriation is not made. Morley responded that implementation requires funds but said hospitals and industry groups were already taking steps to provide similar information and that the bill authorizes, rather than mandates, a statewide display when funded.
Representative Hutchings and other members who spoke said similar systems exist elsewhere and that voluntary industry efforts are already under way; Morley urged support and the House passed the bill (72 yes, 1 no, 2 absent), referring it to the Senate.
