The bill amends Section 5-37.3-4 of the "Confidentiality of Health Care Communications and Information Act" to allow for the disclosure of patients' confidential healthcare information under specific circumstances. It establishes that healthcare providers may report allegations of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, exploitation, death, or violation of rights to the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities, and Hospitals (BHDDH). The bill mandates the production of records to BHDDH upon written demand during investigations related to these allegations.

Additionally, the bill designates BHDDH as a health oversight agency and outlines the process for compliance with written demands for records. If a recipient of such a demand fails to comply, BHDDH may seek a writ of mandamus in superior court to obtain the requested records. The written demand must include notice of the investigation and, if known, the name of the patient or client involved.

The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2867: 5-37.3-4