Committee backs funding for correctional electronic medical record to bill Medicaid under waiver

A Utah legislative committee on Tuesday voted to advance third-substitute HB 70, which would allow Correctional Health Services to implement an electronic medical record (EMR/EHR) system enabling Medicaid billing under the Section 1115 justice-involved waiver and require specified treatment windows for inmates with opioid use disorder.

Representative Eliason presented the bill as a one-time use of funds from a restricted Medicaid-related account to purchase and implement an EMR that can submit claims and support clinical workflows. "Without an EMR, the current electronic health record within correctional health services does not have the functionality to be able to bill Medicaid," Dr. Mark Wisner, director of Correctional Health Services, told the committee, adding that the state has the ability to be paid but lacks a billing-capable system.

Sponsor and supporters told the committee that an EMR that can bill Medicaid would unlock federal reimbursements and produce savings over time by recouping costs for care provided near release. The bill would also require treatment for opioid use disorders during an inmate's first 90 days and again during the 90 days before release to improve continuity of care.

Senator Luz Escamilla moved to favorably recommend the third substitute to the Senate. Committee members described the proposal as a significant investment with a potential return by reducing recidivism and improving health outcomes. The motion passed on a committee voice vote.

Next steps: HB 70 will be reported to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation. The bill directs a department to implement an EMR and includes reporting and implementation steps to be completed by Correctional Health Services and affected agencies.