Collection and submission of data

The department shall be authorized to request, collect, or receive the collection and submission of data listed in subsection (c) of Code Section 31-7-280 from: (1) Health care providers; (2) The Department of Human Services; (3) The Commissioner of Insurance; (4) Reserved; (5) Third-party payors; (6) A nationally recognized health care accreditation body; and (7) Other appropriate sources as determined by the department. Any entity specified in paragraphs (1) through (3) of this Code section which has in its custody or control data requested by the department pursuant to this Code section shall provide the department with such data, but any data regarding a health care provider which is already available in the records of any state officer, department, or agency specified in paragraph (2) or (3) of this Code section shall not be required to be provided to the department by that health care provider. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-282, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 991, § 1; Ga. L. 1996, p. 6, § 31; Ga. L. 1999, p. 296, §§ 22, 24; Ga. L. 2000, p. 136, § 31; Ga. L. 2006, p. 72, § 31/SB 465; Ga. L. 2008, p. 12, § 2-22/SB 433; Ga. L. 2009, p. 8, § 31/SB 46; Ga. L. 2009, p. 453, § 2-2/HB 228; Ga. L. 2012, p. 337, § 5/SB 361. 31-7-283. Compilation and dissemination of information; rules and regulations. (a) The department shall compile, direct the compilation of, and disseminate comparative information provided in the annual reports under Code Section 31-7-280 on a health care provider specific basis. (b) Any data collected by the department may be included in department reports pursuant to this article as deemed appropriate to offer full information to the public. Prior to any release or dissemination of the data, the department shall permit the reporting entity a 30 day opportunity to verify the accuracy of any information pertaining to its data. The reporting entity may submit to the department any corrections of errors in the compilations of the data with any supporting evidence and comments. The department shall correct for the report such data which, in its judgment, are found to be in error. Any information, evidence, or comments submitted to the department in writing by the reporting entity shall be included as a part of the department’s release or dissemination. 396 31-7-284 (c) If the data required by the department are available from the reporting entity by acceptably formatted, computer readable means, such method for reporting shall be preferred. (d) The reporting of any data required by this article by specified types of health care providers shall include health care providers operated by state, county, municipality, public or private entities, or any combination thereof. (e) The department shall be authorized to promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to effectuate and carry out its authority and duties under this article. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-283, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 991, § 1. 31-7-284. Public disclosure; updating of data base; publication; fees. (a) Subject to the procedures specified in subsection (b) of Code Section 31-7-283, the department shall be authorized to disclose nonpatient-specific data required under this article. Dissemination of such data to the public shall be made in clear and understandable language and in such form as to facilitate appropriate planning and choices on the part of consumers, providers, and payors. (b) The department data base established pursuant to this article shall be updated no less frequently than on an annual basis. Public reports from that data shall be published no less frequently than annually. (c) The costs to the state associated with the data collection system provided for in this article shall be paid through the department budget. The department shall, at its discretion and funds permitting, begin collection and dissemination of data immediately. The department is authorized to charge fees for reports, data, and information related to the data system; provided, however, no fees shall be imposed upon health care providers which submit data to the department pursuant to this article. The department shall implement a fee scale for such information that will result in fee collections not to exceed the costs of the data collection system. All such fees shall be remitted to the general fund of the state. History. — Code 1981, § 31-7-284, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 991, § 1.