This bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve patient access to medical records across healthcare settings, including mental health services, hospitals, and nursing homes. Key provisions require mental health and substance abuse service providers to provide requested records within 14 business days, with a possible 14-day extension if the requester is notified in writing. Additionally, the bill mandates that records be provided in the format chosen by the requester, if readily producible, and grants the Department of Health the authority to issue subpoenas for patient records, replacing the previous authority held by the Agency for Health Care Administration. The bill also revises the timeframe for nursing homes to provide access to resident records, requiring access within 24 hours and copies within 2 business days for current residents.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions for "designated record set" and "legal representative," ensuring patients and their representatives have clear rights to access medical information. It emphasizes the confidentiality of records related to psychiatric care, substance abuse, and nursing home residents, while providing immunity for healthcare providers who notify law enforcement if a patient's blood-alcohol level exceeds legal limits. The bill also updates confidentiality provisions for reports and records obtained under specific sections, ensuring they are exempt from public disclosure and not subject to discovery in civil or administrative actions. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1606 Filed: 400.145, 456.057, 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 400.0234, 429.294, 440.185, 456.47
S 1606 c1: 400.145, 456.057, 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 440.185, 456.47
S 1606 c2: 400.145, 456.057, 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 397.702, 429.294, 440.185, 456.47