The Assembly Health Committee of the California State Assembly convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss critical advancements in health data sharing, particularly focusing on Senate Bill 660 (SB 660). The meeting aimed to address the challenges of data exchange among healthcare providers and the need for a governing body to oversee these processes.

The session began with a discussion led by a committee member who expressed frustration over the historical barriers to sharing patient records between hospitals and providers. The speaker highlighted that while a data exchange framework has existed, there has been a lack of clear procedures and policies governing how data should be shared. The intent of SB 660 is to establish a governing body composed of various stakeholders, including consumer advocates and representatives from the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS), to create accountability and facilitate effective data sharing.

The speaker emphasized the importance of including experienced representatives from hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities in the decision-making process to ensure that the rules developed are practical and applicable. The proposed data exchange is expected to reduce redundant tests, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, and improve coordinated care across different healthcare settings.

Concerns were raised regarding smaller entities, particularly those without the capability to provide electronic records. The speaker clarified that current laws exempt these entities from compliance with the new timelines if they lack the necessary mechanisms for electronic data sharing. However, those with the capability but choosing not to comply would face violations.

Following this introduction, witnesses from various health organizations provided testimony in support of SB 660. Max Perre, representing Alioto Health, underscored the need for robust data sharing to ensure high-quality care and highlighted the importance of accountability among all partners involved in the data exchange framework. Jason Moriarty from Partners in Care Foundation shared insights from a pilot program that demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time data sharing in reducing hospital readmissions and improving care coordination.

Additional support was voiced by representatives from various health organizations, emphasizing the necessity of a connected network for delivering comprehensive care to Californians. The meeting concluded with a call for further collaboration and commitment to the data exchange framework, aiming to enhance the overall quality of healthcare services in the state.

The committee's discussions reflect a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery through better data sharing practices, with SB 660 poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of health information exchange in California.