The bill proposes to repeal the existing section 191.227 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and replace it with a new section that outlines the rights of patients regarding access to their medical records. Under the new provisions, healthcare providers, including physicians, hospitals, and other licensed practitioners, are required to furnish copies of a patient's health history and treatment records upon written request. The bill specifies that while providers can charge fees for search, retrieval, and copying of records, they must do so in accordance with established limits. Additionally, it allows for the adjustment of these fees based on annual inflation rates. A significant addition to the bill is the stipulation that healthcare providers or facilities cannot charge fees for medical or mental health records requested for the purpose of supporting applications for various benefits, including those under specific federal and state laws. This provision aims to ensure that patients and their representatives can access necessary records without incurring costs that could hinder their ability to secure benefits. The bill also emphasizes that records should be provided in a cost-effective manner, with electronic records being made available in a universally accessible format.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5328H.01): 191.227