This bill amends existing law regarding the provision of medical records by health care providers. It establishes that all medical information in the possession of health care providers or their third-party vendors is considered the property of the patient. The bill clarifies that a patient's health care provider is now included as a "requestor" who is entitled to access the patient's medical records. Additionally, it sets forth specific costs associated with obtaining electronic and paper copies of medical records, including provisions for redactions of sensitive information.

A significant change introduced by this bill is the requirement that when a health care provider requests a patient's medical records, the records must be provided within 14 days at no cost. This is a new stipulation that emphasizes the timely transfer of medical information between providers to facilitate patient care. The bill also maintains that if records are not provided within 30 days, they must be given at no cost, and any incomplete records must be supplemented without additional charges. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 332-I:1