The purpose of creating a telehealth and health information technology commission is to encourage a single, coordinated statewide effort to create a telehealth and health information technology system that:

A. provides and supports health care delivery, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, transfer of medical data and education when distance separates a patient and a health care provider; multiple health care providers involved in patient care; and health care providers and educational or professional activities;

B. addresses the problems of provider distribution in medically underserved areas of the state;

C. strengthens the health infrastructure;

D. attracts and retains health care providers in rural areas; and

E. helps reduce costs associated with health care and make health care more affordable.