Substitute House Bill No. 7157, also known as Public Act No. 25-97, introduces significant revisions to public health statutes, effective July 1, 2025. The bill transfers the management of medical examiner records to the Commission on Medicolegal Investigations, ensuring that individuals with a legitimate interest, particularly parents or siblings of minors, can access these records without fees. It also clarifies the definition of a "person in custody of the state" to include individuals committed to various state departments. Additionally, the bill mandates emergency medical services personnel to be trained in administering epinephrine and requires licensed ambulances to carry it. It also imposes new continuing education requirements for physical therapists and prohibits health systems from demanding payment information as a condition for care, classifying such actions as unfair trade practices.

The bill further enhances confidentiality provisions related to mental health communications and records, specifying that consent for disclosure must be written and can be revoked at any time. It allows psychologists and psychiatric providers to share patient information with other involved parties under certain conditions, while also detailing circumstances under which disclosures are permissible, such as imminent risk of harm. The legislation emphasizes the protection of behavioral health records, requiring written notification before disclosing information to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. It also establishes designated child guidance clinics funded by the Department of Children and Families, modifies healthcare practitioner regulations, and mandates the Department of Education to implement a mental health awareness program in schools. Overall, the bill aims to modernize public health laws, enhance patient privacy, and improve mental health services across the state.

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