1. 1. The department of health and senior services shall establish a "Uniform Data Management Pilot Program" at a minimum of fifty selected facilities of varying licensure or classification throughout the state to improve patient care and retention of nursing facility staff. The department shall determine the nature and extent of the pilot program and provide all necessary resources.
2. 2. The pilot program shall be implemented no later than six months after funding for the pilot program is made available.

3. 3. The pilot program shall:

   1. (1) Encourage the utilization of existing or the purchase of new software in an effort to modernize the procedures for compiling and disseminating data for long-term care facilities;
   2. (2) Enable physicians, licensed nurses, and facility personnel to devote more quality time to patient care; and
   3. (3) Be established in selected urban, rural, and regional sites throughout the state.
4. 4. The department of health and senior services shall monitor the pilot program and report to the general assembly by January first next following the implementation of the pilot program pursuant to this section on the effectiveness of such program, including quality of care, employee satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.

(L. 2003 S.B. 556 & 311)