Enhanced disease and immunization monitoring approved

Senators gave final approval May 12 to a bill meant to improve the sharing of electronic health information in Nebraska.

LB591, introduced by Grand Island Sen. Mike Gloor, requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to set standards for using electronic health records to analyze medical data to detect or anticipate disease outbreaks.

The bill also authorizes use of the Nebraska Statewide Immunization Registry to share immunization information with health care professionals, schools, licensed child care facilities, electronic record systems, public health departments and Indian health services.

LB591 passed on a 46-0 vote.