Beech Tree News Network

Frankfort, Kentucky (March 19, 2026) – The Kentucky House passed legislation that would direct the Legislative Research Commission to conduct a study to identify the best strategy to integrate electronic health data from across care and service settings to improve treatment, care, and quality of healthcare, as well as community and public health initiatives. House Bill 676, sponsored by Representative Rebecca Raymer (R-Morgantown), would direct the LRC to study the development of a Kentucky statewide health data utility, a statewide system for collecting, sharing, and governing health information.

“As we know, Kentucky spends billions of dollars each year across Medicaid, insurance, employer coverage, and public health programs, yet the data to evaluate those costs, quality, and outcomes is often fragmented across many systems,” said Raymer. “House Bill 676 would direct the Legislative Research Commission to conduct an interim study on the development of the statewide health data utility, what it should look like, where it should be housed, and how it should function for the Commonwealth.”

The study would be required to analyze and provide policy options for establishing a Kentucky statewide health data utility that meets certain criteria, strategies for the direction and governance of the statewide health data utility by and through the LRC, and strategies for the development of the statewide health data utility in a timely, efficient, secure, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. A written report of staff findings, policy options, and strategies would have to be submitted to the LRC by December 1, 2026.

“Studying the creation of the statewide health data utility before development would allow us to create an effective system that meets the needs of our state, protects patient privacy, and supports evidence-based health policies,” Raymer added. “We all want better health outcomes for our state and one of the ways to achieve that goal is through data.”

HB 676 now moves to the Kentucky Senate for consideration. For more information on HB 676 and to keep track of its progress, please visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.