AR SB137

Healthcare providers may create, maintain, transmit, receive, and store medical records in electronic format at their sole discretion, and may temporarily or permanently convert existing records to electronic format

Providers are not required to maintain separate tangible (paper) copies of electronically stored records, but must keep electronic records in legible and retrievable form with adequate data backup

Tangible copies reproduced from electronic records are considered originals for purposes of providing copies to patients and for introduction as evidence in administrative or court proceedings

When audited by health benefit plans, pharmacy benefit managers, or third-party entities, auditors must accept electronic versions of medical records in lieu of physical records

Provisions apply to psychiatric, psychological, and other mental health medical records; all requirements remain subject to applicable federal laws governing security and confidentiality of personal health information