The bill amends West Virginia's Code regarding access to health care records, specifically focusing on the rights of patients and their representatives to obtain copies of medical records. It establishes that health care providers must furnish copies of records within thirty days of a written request, allowing for both paper and electronic formats. Additionally, it mandates that a summary of the patient's record be made available after treatment ends. The bill also clarifies that the provisions do not apply to records requested through court processes, except for fee-related aspects.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section, 16-29-3, which outlines the access rights of parents and guardians to their minor children's health records. It states that access cannot be denied unless ordered by a court, but parents are restricted from accessing records if the minor is emancipated, married, or has graduated high school. Importantly, the bill removes exemptions related to the AIDS-related Medical Testing and Records Confidentiality Act, ensuring that parents or guardians can obtain medical records without needing permission from the minor child, except in the specified circumstances.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-29-1, 49-5-101, 16-29-3
Engrossed Version: 16-29-1, 49-5-101, 16-29-3
Enrolled Version: 16-29-1, 16-29-3