Section 31-7-281. Data system established; departmental authority

   (a) The department shall be required to establish and operate a state-wide health care data system to collect, compile, analyze, and disseminate data collected pursuant to this article from health care providers and other specified entities.

(b) The department shall be authorized to execute contracts or establish written agreements for the purpose of avoiding duplication of data collected pursuant to this article.

(c) Where an existing data collection system meets the collection requirements of the department pursuant to this article, the department shall utilize such existing system when the significant elements of such data are collected, provided that such system meets the requirements of the department pursuant to this article and is available, without undue restrictions, to the department. For purposes of this subsection, reimbursement from the department for the costs incurred by such existing system in collecting this data shall not be considered an undue restriction.

(d) The department shall have complete authority over any data collection functions performed pursuant to this article and shall be authorized to perform such data analyses as shall, in its discretion, be required.

(e) The department shall establish a system to review and audit selected report data which contain the information listed in subsection (c) of Code Section 31-7-280 and which are collected other than by the department.

Code 1981, § 31-7-281, enacted by Ga. L. 1988, p. 991, § 1.