(a) The Medicaid Eligibility and Health Information System (MEHIS) is a statewide system designed to improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health-care services provided under the Medicaid program. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will utilize the system to replace the paper Medicaid identification form with a permanent plastic card, automate eligibility verification, provide an electronic health record (EHR) for Medicaid recipients, offer electronic prescribing functionality, and establish a foundation for future health information exchange for improved efficiency, continuity of care, and health outcomes.
(b) The MEHIS EHR includes the following key data elements as they become available electronically to HHSC:
  (1) Eligibility data to include the same data found on the former paper Medicaid identification form, which is described by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) 270/271 eligibility transaction;
  (2) Claims and encounter data for Medicaid-enrolled clients;
  (3) Immunization data;
  (4) Prescription drug history;
  (5) Texas Health Steps (THSteps) information, including completed, pending, and past due THSteps services;
  (6) Laboratory data; and
  (7) Other health history information.
(c) The MEHIS maintains the confidentiality of patient health records in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws.

Source Note: The provisions of this §356.101 adopted to be effective February 1, 2011, 35 TexReg 11848