MN SF2091

Removes prohibition on charging patients fees for copies of health records requested for Social Security disability appeal purposes; providers may charge up to 75 cents per page plus $10 retrieval fee for other record copies.

Requires hospitals licensed under Minnesota Statutes section 144.55 to submit annual information to the Leapfrog Group patient safety survey to publicly report safety metrics and track quality and efficiency improvements.

Transfers the health economics program from the Minnesota Department of Health to the Department of Commerce effective July 1, 2012; requires commissioner of commerce to submit legislative bill during 2013 session for necessary statutory changes.

Directs commissioner of health to contract for a study examining efficiency, costs, service quality, and enrollee satisfaction of for-profit versus not-for-profit health maintenance organizations; study must assess potential cost savings in medical assistance, MinnesotaCare, and state employee coverage and report findings by January 15, 2013.

Modifies patient health record release requirements to clarify that medical emergency exceptions apply when a provider holds signed patient consent authorizing release.