The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve patient access to medical records and streamline the procedures for handling these records. It establishes a requirement for service providers to furnish clinical records within 14 working days of a request, with the option for records to be provided in either paper or electronic format. The bill also removes previous provisions that restricted licensed facilities from providing patient records until after discharge, thereby facilitating more timely access. Key changes include nursing homes being required to provide access to records within 24 hours and copies within 2 working days for current residents, while healthcare practitioners must furnish requested records within 14 working days. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of patient records and outlines the conditions under which they may be disclosed without consent.

Additionally, the bill CS/HB 1083 addresses the handling of medical records in the context of blood testing for suspected impairment or intoxication. It allows psychiatric records to be shared with a subsequent treating psychiatrist without requiring payment for services, changing the language from "shall" to "may." The bill also clarifies that healthcare providers can notify law enforcement if a patient's blood-alcohol level exceeds a specified threshold, providing immunity from civil or criminal liability for those involved in this notification. Furthermore, it updates confidentiality provisions and ensures that telehealth providers document services in the patient's medical record according to the same standards as in-person services. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 1083 Filed: 400.145, 456.057, 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 400.0234, 429.294, 440.185, 456.47
H 1083 c1: 400.145, 456.057, 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 429.294, 440.185, 456.47