The proposed bill aims to provide temporary exemptions for medical providers from federal information-blocking regulations to protect patients during the disclosure of medical information. It introduces a new section to the Arkansas Code, specifically 20-9-106, which defines "information-blocking" and outlines the circumstances under which a medical provider may withhold a patient's medical records for up to thirty days. This withholding is permitted if the provider believes that immediate disclosure could adversely affect the patient's health or safety, requires time to prepare a treatment plan, and schedules a discussion with the patient to explain the medical records. The bill emphasizes that this temporary withholding must be limited to the necessary time and must cease once the discussion occurs or if the risk to the patient's health is no longer present.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding access to medical records in legal proceedings, requiring that if a doctor denies a patient access to their records, they must provide a written determination that aligns with the new provisions in 20-9-106. The bill also includes an emergency clause, stating that the act is critical for patient safety and will take effect on July 1, 2025. This legislation is designed to ensure that patients receive accurate and comprehensible medical information while allowing providers the necessary time to interpret complex results.

Statutes affected:
HB 1961: 16-46-106(e)