Public Health Data 1

SECTION 40.   Said chapter 111 is hereby further amended by adding the following section:-

Section 236. The commissioner may conduct examinations to analyze population health trends over time and to determine priorities for the reduction of morbidity and mortality in the commonwealth. All resulting reports shall provide data in an aggregate and de-identified format.

In order to conduct such examinations, the commissioner may assemble and maintain necessary data and systems. The commissioner shall develop policies and procedures for the governance of such data and systems, which shall include provisions for confidentiality and security.

Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner shall request, and the center for health information analysis and the offices and agencies within the executive office of health and human services shall provide, information necessary to conduct such examinations, provided that the provision of such information is consistent with federal law. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the commissioner may request from any office or agency within the executive branch or judicial branch, and any office or agency may provide, information necessary to conduct examinations, provided that the provision of such information is consistent with federal law.

All information or data provided or accessed under this section shall be confidential, shall not be used to identify any individual and shall be used solely for the conduct of examinations pursuant to this section. Such information or data shall be exempt from disclosure of public records under section 10 of chapter 66 and shall not be subject to subpoena or discovery, or admissible as evidence in any action of any kind in any court or before any other tribunal, board, agency or person.

The commissioner may promulgate regulations to implement the provisions of this section.



Summary:
This section authorizes the Department of Public Health to assemble public health data from other governmental agencies to examine an expanded set of public health issues.