The bill seeks to strengthen 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, capped at $50, for electronic health records provided to patients or their authorized representatives. The bill also amends existing sections of the RCW to clarify definitions related to health care information and patient rights, including updates to the definition of "psychotherapy notes" to ensure certain documentation remains confidential. Additionally, it redefines terms related to health care operations and the management of health care information, reinforcing the framework for patient privacy.

Furthermore, the bill revises the conditions under which health care providers may charge for health care information, removing previous stipulations about fees and the requirement to honor authorizations until payment is made. It establishes that patients can authorize disclosures of their health care information in writing, detailing the information and recipients involved. The bill also clarifies the handling of mental health information, allowing for its disclosure to law enforcement and other entities under specific conditions while maintaining confidentiality. New definitions and provisions, including a sunset clause for certain sections, aim to enhance coordination between mental health services and law enforcement while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations.

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