MN SF4283

Physicians licensed in Minnesota who perform eye surgery must maintain patient health records for 25 years after the most recent surgery.

After the 25-year retention period, physicians must either retain records for an additional 35 years using reproducible storage methods or transfer records to the commissioner of health for 35-year retention.

Physicians must notify patients prior to eye surgery about health record retention requirements and how to access records if transferred to the commissioner, either through the health care bill of rights notice or prominent display in the physician's office.

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

Health records retained by the commissioner are classified as private data on individuals and must include a patient access process; the bill becomes effective July 1, 2022.