(a) "Medical technology" means medical equipment and devices, medical or surgical procedures and techniques used by health care providers in delivering medical care to individuals, and the organizational or supportive systems within which medical care is delivered.

(b) "Medical technology assessment" means evaluation of the use, clinical effectiveness and cost of a technology in comparison with its alternatives.

(2) The Health Evidence Review Commission shall develop a medical technology assessment process. The Oregon Health Authority shall direct the commission with regard to medical technologies to be assessed and the timing of the assessments.

(3) The commission shall appoint and work with an advisory committee whose members have the appropriate expertise to conduct a medical technology assessment.

(4) The commission shall present its preliminary findings at a public hearing and shall solicit testimony and information from health care consumers. The commission shall give strong consideration to the recommendations of the advisory committee and public testimony in developing its assessment.

(5) To ensure that confidentiality is maintained, identification of a patient or a person licensed to provide health services may not be included with the data submitted under this section, and the commission shall release such data only in aggregate statistical form. All findings and conclusions, interviews, reports, studies, communications and statements procured by or furnished to the commission in connection with obtaining the data necessary to perform its functions is confidential pursuant to ORS 192.338, 192.345 and 192.355. [2011 c.720 §25]

Note: 414.695 to 414.701 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 414 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.