The bill amends Section 5-37.3-4 of the "Confidentiality of Health Care Communications and Information Act" to clarify the limitations on and permitted disclosures of confidential healthcare information. It establishes that such information may be disclosed without the written consent of the patient or their authorized representative in specific circumstances, including disclosures related to allegations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, exploitation, death, or violations of rights to the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH).

The bill mandates that records must be produced to BHDDH upon written demand during investigations involving individuals receiving services from licensed facilities or programs. It specifies that if the recipient of the written demand fails to comply, BHDDH may file a petition for a writ of mandamus in superior court to obtain the requested records. Additionally, BHDDH is designated as a health oversight agency and a social-service agency for the purposes of this section.

The act takes effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
700: 5-37.3-4