FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2021
Contact: Nick Day | (612) 396-2908 | nick@50p1.com
Connecting for Better Health Coalition Issues Statement on AB 1131 (Wood) Bipartisan Passage Out of Assembly Health Committee
On Tuesday, the Connecting for Better Health Coalition, a partnership of some of the most influential healthcare leaders and organizations across California, released the following statement following the bipartisan 11-1 passage of AB 1131 out of the Assembly Health Committee:
“We are thrilled that AB 1131, Assemblymember Jim Wood’s bill that would lay the groundwork for a historic statewide health information exchange (HIE) network in California passed a crucial first vote today in the Assembly Health Committee. Our coalition has heartily endorsed this bill, and we look forward to supporting it in future hearings, on its way to the Governor’s desk.
AB 1131 would ensure universal participation in a statewide HIE network and establish a governing body that is able to act unilaterally, with guidance from the state. These two fundamental elements of the proposal set it apart from others — and would undoubtedly lead to high-quality, seamless care for California patients.
We are heartened by the committee’s bipartisan 11-1 vote today, as well as Governor Newsom’s commitment to establish a source of funding for an HIE in his 2021-22 budget proposal. This is a historic moment for health equity in California.
As a broad coalition of industry leaders, advocates, and organizations from across the state, we are proud to champion this legislation, and look forward to working with Assemblymember Wood, Governor Newsom, and other leaders seeking to improve the state’s health data systems and deliver on California’s commitment to health equity.”
The Connecting for Better Health Coalition is a partnership of over a dozen of the most influential healthcare leaders across California. The coalition’s website, www.connectingforbetterhealth.com, features testimonial videos from patients about the need for a statewide HIE network, as well as information about the coalition’s policy vision and participants.
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