CA SB1238

Requires specified health care providers to provide patients with a written statement no later than first service delivery (or as soon as practicable after emergency treatment) that outlines patient rights to inspect/copy records and the intended record retention period.

Mandates health care providers notify patients at least 60 days before destroying their medical records via first-class mail, electronic mail, or both, and allow patients to request original records before destruction.

Permits health care providers to charge patients for actual costs of copying, mailing, or shipping records requested under this section, in accordance with existing cost-sharing provisions.

Exempts providers who use electronic health records stored in perpetuity and psychiatrists' records from these requirements.

Establishes that violations may result in administrative citations and penalties after the second violation, with this remedy constituting the exclusive remedy for non-compliance.