AR HB1569

Adds Arkansas Code § 9-27-372 establishing the right of parents, guardians, and custodians to request and obtain medical records of children in Department of Human Services custody or removed from their custody, regardless of custody status.

Defines "medical records" to include hospital and clinic records, physician records, healthcare records, admissions forms, discharge summaries, progress notes, lab reports, medication administration records, and any paper or electronic entries related to diagnosis or treatment of a child.

Requires healthcare institutions providing treatment or services to a child to provide medical records to the parent, guardian, or custodian upon request, without exception based on custody status.

Mandates the Department of Human Services and any person or entity with whom a child is placed to execute any necessary consents to enable parents, guardians, or custodians to obtain the child's medical records under this section.

Authorizes courts with jurisdiction over a child to enter orders requiring healthcare institutions, placement entities, or the Department of Human Services to comply with the medical records access requirements.