Hospital records can be transferred to electronic form, under a new law signed April 24 by Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
Sponsored by Rep. Julie Bunn (DFL-Lake Elmo) and Sen. Yvonne Prettner Solon (DFL-Duluth), the new law will allow for “electronic image or other state-of-the-art electronic preservation technology” to be used in preserving medical records.
“This is a bill to assist in lowering the cost of health care,” Bunn said. St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth estimates it would save more than $100,000 annually, and Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester would save nearly $500,000 annually, Bunn said. This portion is effective April 25, 2008.
Also under the new law, individuals with an advanced directive are authorized to define the type of vehicle they would like their body to be transferred in to their final resting place. The change was requested from local fire and police departments so specialty vehicles could be used in funeral proceedings.
This portion takes effect Aug. 1, 2008.
HF3710/SF3263*/CH228
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