HB3654 Summary

• Amends the Code of Civil Procedure to require health care practitioners to provide one complete copy of a patient's records without charge when requested for use in supporting a federal veterans' disability benefits claim.

• The free copy requirement applies when records are requested by the patient or an authorized representative presenting valid authorization signed by the patient or their legally authorized representative.

• Existing fee structures for additional copies remain in place, including a $20 handling charge and per-page copying fees ranging from 25 cents to 75 cents depending on the number of pages.

• The provision applies specifically to health care practitioners (physicians, dentists, nurses, psychologists, etc.) and does not alter requirements for health care facilities, which have separate record access rules.