The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 144.292, subdivision 6, to revise the cost structure for patients requesting copies of their health records. It establishes a flat fee of $250 for records that are no older than three years from the date of request, and for records older than three years, it maintains the $250 flat fee plus an additional charge of $0.40 per page. The bill also introduces a new fee structure for x-rays and other imaging, setting a base fee of $50 plus $25 per unique study. Additionally, it specifies that providers may require payment of the flat fee before retrieving records and outlines that maximum charges will be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index starting in calendar year 2026.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that prohibit charges for records requested for appealing Social Security disability claims when the patient is receiving public assistance or represented by certain legal programs. It allows patients to receive up to two medical record updates without charge for previously unprovided information. The amendments aim to streamline the process and reduce costs for patients while ensuring access to necessary health records.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 144.292