The bill seeks to enhance patients' rights regarding their health care information by improving access and establishing enforcement protections for its appropriate use. It introduces a new section to chapter 70.02 RCW, allowing health care providers and facilities to charge a reasonable fee for providing health care information, capped at $50 for certain individuals, including patients and their representatives. The Department of Social and Health Services is mandated to create rules for determining these fees based on actual costs rather than a per-page calculation, reflecting the shift towards electronic health records. Additionally, the bill amends existing sections of RCW 70.02 to update definitions and clarify the responsibilities of health care providers, particularly regarding patient authorization for disclosing health care information.

Moreover, the bill outlines specific provisions for the disclosure of health information related to communicable diseases and mental health services. It mandates that staff be informed of any communicable diseases in offenders or detainees when there is substantial exposure, and it restricts the disclosure of voluntary and anonymous HIV test results under certain conditions. The bill also establishes guidelines for mental health service agencies on releasing information to authorized personnel, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained while allowing necessary disclosures for public health and safety. Overall, the legislation aims to balance patient access to health care information with the protection of individual privacy rights.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70.02.010, 71.24.025, 70.02.080, 70.02.090, 70.02.170, 70.02.220