Medical records; reproduction; fee
The legislation addresses the charging practices for medical records, particularly in balancing fair compensation for providers while safeguarding patient access. Under the new provisions, health care providers are prohibited from charging for the pertinent medical record information when it is provided to another health care provider for continuity of care or given directly to the patient or their legal representatives for the purpose of obtaining health services. This aligns the law with the principles of accessibility and affordability in healthcare information management.
House Bill 2346 introduces amendments to Section 12-2295 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, related to the fees that health care providers and contractors can charge for the reproduction of medical records. The bill specifies that providers can charge a reasonable fee of no more than $1 per page when reproducing medical records. It aims to regulate the costs associated with obtaining medical records while ensuring that patients and healthcare entities can access necessary information without excessive financial burdens.
While the bill aims to streamline the fees associated with medical record reproduction, there are implications that stakeholders may contest. Some critics might argue that any fee, even that set at $1 per page, could still act as a barrier for certain patients seeking their own medical information. On the other hand, health care providers may express concerns about the sustainability of maintaining their operations if the reimbursement for such administrative efforts is perceived to be too low, potentially leading to further legislative discussions.