MN HF4110

Physicians licensed under Minnesota chapter 147 who perform eye surgery must notify patients prior to surgery about health record retention requirements and how to access records if transferred to the commissioner of health.

Physicians must maintain health records for each eye surgery patient for 25 years after the most recent surgery, then either retain records for an additional 35 years using reproducible storage methods or transfer records to the commissioner of health or contracted entity for 35-year retention.

The commissioner of health or contracted entity must establish a system allowing patients to access and obtain copies of their health records stored in the retention system.

Commissioner of health shall charge a fee to physicians who transfer health records for retention; fees are deposited in the special revenue fund and appropriated to the commissioner for retention costs.

Health records retained by the commissioner or contracted entity are classified as private data on individuals; law is effective July 1, 2022.