The bill amends the Public Health Code by updating sections related to the maintenance and retention of medical records. It mandates that healthcare licensees must keep detailed records for each patient, specifically noting any instances of vaginal or anal penetration during medical services provided on or after October 10, 2023. For such records, a retention period of 15 years is established, while other records must be kept for a minimum of 7 years. The bill also outlines the procedures for record destruction, requiring written notice to patients and their authorization before any records can be destroyed, particularly for those less than 7 years old.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for healthcare facilities or agencies that utilize off-site physical or virtual environments for record maintenance, ensuring these environments are located in Canada. It clarifies that the bill does not alter ownership rights to medical records and establishes penalties for non-compliance, including administrative fines of up to $10,000 for gross negligence or willful misconduct. The definitions of "medical record," "medical records company," and "patient" are also refined to ensure clarity in the application of these regulations.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 333.16213, 333.20175
As Passed by the House: 333.16213, 333.20175