§978.1. Definitions

            As used in this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

            (1) "Department" shall mean the Louisiana Department of Health.

            (2) "Health information technology" shall mean information technology used in health care, including but not limited to electronic health records or electronic medical records, computerized physician order entry, health information exchange, telehealth, and other relevant information technology deemed appropriate by the secretary of the department.

            (3) "Medical home system of care" shall mean a health care delivery system that is patient and family centered and is guided by a personal primary care provider who coordinates and facilitates preventive and primary care that improves patient outcomes in the most cost-efficient manner possible. By providing a coordinated continuum of care, the cost of the current health care delivery system shall be reduced, health outcomes shall improve, and the disparities in access to health care among the state's populations shall be reduced. The medical home system of care shall consist of an integrated system of public, private, or public and private primary care providers, specialty care groups, and hospital providers that are willing to participate in the integrated system and meet participation criteria.

            (4) "Secretary" shall mean the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

            Acts 2007, No. 243, §1; Acts 2023, No. 322, §5, eff. Jan. 1, 2024.