1.    The health information technology office is created in the department. The health information technology advisory committee shall make recommendations to the health information technology office for implementing an interoperable health information infrastructure that is consistent with emerging national standards; promote the adoption and use of electronic health records and other health information technologies; and promote interoperability of health information systems for the purpose of improving health care quality, patient safety, and the overall efficiency of health care and public health services.

2. The health information technology office director, in collaboration with the health information technology advisory committee, shall:

a.    Apply for federal funds that may be available to assist the state and health care providers in implementing and improving health information technology.

b.    Implement and administer a health information exchange that utilizes information infrastructure and systems in a secure and cost-effective manner to facilitate the collection, storage, and transmission of health records.

c.    Adopt rules under chapter 28-32 for the use of health information, use of the health information exchange, and participation in the health information exchange.

d.    Adopt rules under chapter 28-32 for accessing the health information exchange to ensure appropriate and required privacy and security protections and relating to the authority of the director to suspend, eliminate, or terminate the right to participate in the health information exchange.

e.    Establish a health information technology planning loan program to provide low-interest loans to health care entities to assist those entities in improving their health information technology infrastructure under section 6-09-43.

f.    Facilitate and expand electronic health information exchange in the state, directly or by awarding grants.

g.    Establish an application process and eligibility criteria for and accept and process applications for loans and grants under subdivisions e and f. The eligibility criteria must be consistent with federal requirements associated with federal funds received under subdivision a. The eligibility criteria for loans under subdivision f must include a requirement that the recipient’s approved health information technology be strategically aligned with the state’s health information technology plan and the associated federal standards and that the recipient has passed an onsite electronic medical record readiness assessment conducted by an assessment team determined by the health information technology advisory committee and the health information technology office director.

h.    Determine fees and charges for access and participation in the health information exchange. Any moneys collected under this subdivision must be deposited in the electronic health information exchange fund.

i.    Consult and coordinate with the department of health and human services to facilitate the collection of health information from health care providers and state agencies for public health purposes, including identifiable health information that may be used by state agencies, departments, or institutions to comply with applicable state or federal laws.

3.    If the health information technology advisory committee determines that establishing a health information exchange with another state or states will assist in providing health information exchange services in a cost-effective manner, the health information technology office director, in collaboration with the health information technology advisory committee, may join with another state or states to establish, implement, and     administer a health information exchange consistent with other provisions of this chapter.