A. The board shall develop and implement data collection policies and procedures for the collection, processing, storage and analysis of clinical, financial and restructuring data in accordance with this subsection for the following purposes:

(1) To use, build and improve upon and coordinate existing data sources and measurement efforts through the integration of data systems and standardization of concepts;

(2) To coordinate the development of a linked public and private sector information system;

(3) To emphasize data that is useful, relevant and is not duplicative of existing data;

(4) To minimize the burden on those providing data;

(5) To preserve the reliability, accuracy and integrity of collected data while ensuring that the data is available in the public domain; and

(6) To collect information from providers who were required to file data with the Maine Health Care Finance Commission on July 1, 1996, data that is substantially similar to the data that was required to be filed with the commission. The organization may collect additional information from the same providers and information from additional providers and payors only when a linked information system for the electronic transmission, collection and storage of data is reasonably available to providers.

Sec. 6. 22 MRSA §8704, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1995, c. 653, Pt. A, §2 and affected by §7, is amended to read:

2. Contracts for data collection; processing. The board shall may contract with one or more qualified, nongovernmental, independent 3rd parties for services necessary to carry out the data collection, processing and storage activities required under this chapter. For purposes of this subsection, a group or organization affiliated with the University of Maine System is not considered a governmental entity. Unless permission is specifically granted by the board, a 3rd party hired by the organization may not release, publish or otherwise use any information to which the 3rd party has access under its contract and shall otherwise comply with the requirements of this chapter.