NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Could an individual's medical records hold the answers to some of the state's serious health problems?

"The purpose here is to build as broad a set of population health data as possible so that we can really improve quality of care and efficiency of care in Tennessee," said Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz.

The state wants to build a database of all of the insurance claims in the state. For example: A patient goes to the doctor for an allergy skin test, and an insurance claim is filed. The state would receive a copy of that claim.

"Once it leaves the insurance company and comes into this database, we have no idea who the people are," said Goetz.

That data will be lumped into groups to determine where and what kind of problems are occurring and determine where quality of care is best.

It's the first start to building better policy, supporters have said.

"I feel like this is a small step to allow us to pull a lot of data together so we can see what the actual needs are throughout our state and the citizens of the state," said Sen. Eric Stewart.

But opponents have said this is Big Brother at its worst.

"This is your private information, privately paid for," said Rep. Susan Lynn. "It doesn't matter what excuse the state government comes up with saying that it will help them to have your information."

Not only is it a cost of privacy, say opponents, but it's going to end up being a huge cost to the state.

"A few other states have instituted this. It's cost them millions of dollars," said Lynn. "This is a time when we're looking at laying off a lot of state employees, and the state wants to spend millions of dollars, potentially, to get your private health information. It's outrageous."

Supporters said if the plan passes, it will also aid in comparing costs of medical procedures.