NY A05220

Authorizes the New York Department of Mental Health to release patient records of deceased residents to family members, personal representatives, or others involved in the decedent's care upon written request.

Requires regulations to comply with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and prohibits disclosure if inconsistent with any known prior expressed preference of the deceased.

Adds a new exception to confidentiality laws allowing healthcare providers to disclose patient information to a family member's healthcare provider when the information is needed for treatment of that family member.

Directs the commissioner to define "family member" through regulation for purposes of the information disclosure provision.

Takes effect immediately, except the deceased patient records disclosure provision becomes effective 180 days after enactment.