HB73 Summary

• Expands the definition of "medical provider" under Alabama Code Sections 12-21-5 through 12-21-7 to include physicians, dentists, pharmacists, psychologists, clinical social workers, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, chiropractors, hospitals, medical clinics, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and pharmacies.

• Allows litigants to request medical records directly from any medical provider, including itemized charges, rather than solely through subpoena duces tecum.

• Permits medical provider record custodians to deliver certified copies of records to the requesting litigant, the trial court clerk, or an attorney of record upon payment, without requiring custodian court appearance unless ordered.

• Maintains existing admissibility standards for certified medical records as prima facie evidence when properly certified and sealed, with the same authentication requirements as existing law.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.