Substitute House Bill No. 7157, effective July 1, 2025, introduces significant revisions to public health statutes, particularly concerning the management of medical examiner records, which will now be overseen by the Commission on Medicolegal Investigations. The bill ensures that individuals with a legitimate interest, such as parents or siblings of minors, can access these records without incurring fees. It also clarifies the definition of a "person in custody of the state" to include individuals committed to various state commissioners. Additionally, the bill updates emergency medical services regulations, requiring personnel to be trained in administering epinephrine and mandates that licensed ambulances carry it. New continuing education requirements for physical therapists are established, and health systems are prohibited from requiring payment information as a condition for care, classifying such practices as unfair trade.

Further amendments focus on enhancing patient confidentiality and the disclosure of mental health treatment information. The bill clarifies terms related to patient communications and records, emphasizing that consent for disclosure must be written and can be revoked at any time. It outlines specific circumstances under which disclosures can occur without consent, such as in cases of imminent risk or legal proceedings. The bill also introduces provisions for the confidentiality of behavioral health services information, requiring written notification before disclosing information to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Additionally, it establishes a working group to assess public health, environmental, and housing matters, and mandates the Department of Education to create a mental health awareness program in schools. Overall, the bill aims to improve the protection of patient information while ensuring necessary disclosures for treatment and legal compliance.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 52-146d, 52-146e, 52-146f, 52-146g, 52-146h, 52-146i, 52-146j, 52-146c
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 52-146d, 52-146e, 52-146f, 52-146g, 52-146h, 52-146i, 52-146j, 7-62b, 52-146c
File No. 628: 52-146d, 52-146e, 52-146f, 52-146g, 52-146h, 52-146i, 52-146j, 7-62b, 52-146c
Public Act No. 25-97: 52-146d, 52-146e, 52-146f, 52-146g, 52-146h, 52-146i, 52-146j, 7-62b, 52-146c