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RI S2852
Bill
Status
3/4/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lammis Vargas
Click for details
AI Summary
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Healthcare providers must furnish medical notes and records in any readily producible format upon written request from a patient or authorized representative, including paper copies, fax, secure electronic transmission, patient portal, or email
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Providers may send medical records via unencrypted email when the patient provides written authorization specifying the email address, acknowledges privacy and security risks, and consents despite those risks
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Providers must retain the patient's email authorization in the medical record and are not required to use email if they cannot comply with federal law, provided they offer an alternative method
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The act does not limit HIPAA rights or require encryption when a patient expressly requests unencrypted email after acknowledging the risks
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Rhode Island Department of Health must promulgate rules and model authorization forms to implement these requirements; effective upon passage
Legislative Description
Allows patients to authorize providers to email medical notes or records, requires written consent acknowledging risks, and ensures compliance with HIPAA while expanding delivery options beyond fax or in-person pickup.
Businesses And Professions
Last Action
Introduced, referred to Senate Health and Human Services
3/4/2026