Connecticut House Bill HB05995

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/13
• Refer: 1/24/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Cost To Transfer Medical Records To A Health Care Provider.

Impact

Should this bill be enacted, it will have a significant impact on state laws related to the management and transfer of medical records. The requirement for healthcare providers to offer medical records at either no cost or limited cost would streamline the process for patients seeking to switch providers. This change is anticipated to improve patient mobility among providers, fostering a system that supports patient rights and emphasizes the importance of maintaining comprehensive healthcare records without financial hindrance.

Summary

House Bill 05995 is an initiative aimed at regulating the costs associated with the transfer of medical records between healthcare providers. Specifically, it proposes amendments to Section 20-7d of the general statutes, mandating that healthcare providers furnish patients' medical records to another provider without imposing excessive charges. This legislative effort is designed to alleviate the financial burden often faced by patients when requesting their medical records for transfer, thereby enhancing accessibility to necessary health information.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HB 05995 may revolve around the financial implications for healthcare providers who could bear additional costs due to the mandated transfer of records. There may be concerns from provider organizations regarding how these changes could impact their administrative processes and potential revenue models. Proponents of the bill argue that it is essential for patient health and rights, while opponents might focus on the operational challenges it poses to healthcare establishments and their ability to sustain quality services.