AR SB359

Patients or authorized representatives can obtain medical records for legal proceedings, insurance claims, or life insurance applications through written authorization rather than requiring attorney involvement or subpoena.

Photocopy fees for medical records are capped at 50¢ per page for the first 25 pages and 25¢ for each additional page, excluding X-rays.

Labor charges for medical record requests are increased from $15.00 to $25.00 per request, with a separate $75.00 fee for electronically stored records (the only allowable fee for electronic records).

Medical providers must furnish electronically stored records in electronic format within 30 days of request and may charge a $2.00 notarization/certification fee if requested.

Electronic records fees of $75.00 plus actual postage are the sole allowable charges for electronic records, and compliance with federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act standards applies regardless of who receives the records.