Tennessee Senate Bill SB1313

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/23
• Chaptered: 5/1/24
• Passed: 5/1/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 47, Chapter 18 and Section 63-2-102, relative to medical records.

Impact

If enacted, SB1313 will have a considerable impact on the state laws regarding patient rights and healthcare provider obligations. By clearly defining the fees associated with obtaining medical records, the bill seeks to protect patients from being charged exorbitant fees that could hinder access to their health information. This is a notable step toward greater transparency in healthcare, where patients will have more control over their medical records and an understanding of the costs involved in accessing them.

Summary

Senate Bill 1313 aims to amend provisions related to medical records in Tennessee, specifically outlining the costs associated with acquiring copies of medical records. The bill introduces specific fee structures that health care providers can charge patients or their representatives for request fulfillment, including limitations on copying costs for both paper and electronic records. The intention behind these amendments is to ensure reasonable accessibility to medical records while establishing regulations for the charges that may be levied for various types of media and handling.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB1313 appears to be largely positive among healthcare advocates and patient rights groups, who emphasize the importance of affordable access to medical records. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a necessary reform to enhance transparency and fairness in how patients navigate their healthcare rights. However, there are concerns from some health care providers regarding the potential financial implications of these fee restrictions, which could affect administrative processes within their practices.

Contention

A point of contention surrounding SB1313 involves the balance between establishing reasonable fees and ensuring that healthcare providers are compensated adequately for the administrative work required in fulfilling record requests. Critics express concerns that the prescribed limits might not cover all the costs involved, thereby impacting the willingness of providers to comply with the process efficiently. This highlights an ongoing debate between the need for patient access to medical records and the operational realities faced by healthcare providers.