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 makes a good faith effort to schedule a discussion with the patient regarding the medical records.

Additionally, the bill amends existing law regarding access to medical records in legal proceedings, requiring doctors who deny access to provide a written determination that disclosure would be detrimental to the patient's health while also complying with the new provisions in 20-9-106. The bill includes an emergency clause, stating that the act is necessary for the preservation of public health and safety, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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