Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB137

Introduced
1/28/25  
Refer
1/28/25  
Report Pass
2/5/25  
Engrossed
2/6/25  
Refer
2/6/25  
Report Pass
2/18/25  
Enrolled
2/20/25  
Chaptered
2/25/25  

Caption

To Permit Healthcare Providers To Maintain Medical Records In An Electronic Format.

Impact

The proposed legislation impacts existing laws by exempting healthcare providers from the need to keep separate tangible copies of electronically stored medical records. Instead, it mandates that these electronic records remain legible and retrievable, ensuring that healthcare providers must still adhere to standards of data integrity. Furthermore, it emphasizes compliance with federal laws regarding the security and confidentiality of patient health information, thereby reinforcing protections around sensitive data.

Summary

Senate Bill 137 (SB137) aims to modernize the way healthcare providers in Arkansas manage medical records by allowing them to maintain these records in an electronic format. The bill defines healthcare providers broadly, encompassing individual practitioners as well as organizations like hospitals and long-term care facilities. The main provision permits these providers to create, maintain, transmit, receive, and store medical records electronically, promoting a shift towards digitization in the healthcare sector. This move is seen as a significant step in improving healthcare efficiency and accessibility.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed as a progressive measure that aligns with technological advancements in healthcare, there may be concerns regarding data security and patient privacy. Critics could argue that moving to an electronic-only format raises the stakes for breaches in confidentiality and emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Additionally, debates may arise around ensuring that all healthcare providers, especially smaller practices, have access to the necessary technology and training to effectively implement these changes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR HB1275

To Regulate Electronic Medical Records; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Payor That Has Electronic Access To Medical Records From Requesting Medical Records In A Different Format From A Healthcare Provider.

AR SB359

Concerning Access To Medical Records For A Legal Proceeding; And Concerning Fees Charged For Duplication Of Electronically Stored Medical Records.

AR SB518

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act; And To Update Language And Definitions To Reflect Changes Within The Healthcare System;.

AR HB1271

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR SB515

To Amend The Medicaid Fraud Act And The Medicaid Fraud False Claims Act.

AR SB143

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act; And To Exempt Certain Healthcare Providers That Provide Certain Healthcare Services From Prior Authorization Requirements.

AR HB1272

To Amend The Healthcare Contracting Simplification Act; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Insurer From Leasing A Healthcare Contract Or Provider Network.

AR SB187

To Repeal The Healthcare Quality And Payment Policy Advisory Committee Act.

AR SB140

To Amend The Definition Of "healthcare Provider" Under The Patient Protection Act Of 1995; And To Modify The Definition Of "healthcare Provider" As Used Under The Any Willing Provider Laws.

AR HB1741

To Require Consent To The Assignment Of Benefits To A Healthcare Provider; And To Mandate Notice To An Enrollee Of The Assignment Of Benefits To A Healthcare Provider.

Similar Bills

SC H4069

Patient-Friendly Billing

AR HB1275

To Regulate Electronic Medical Records; And To Prohibit A Healthcare Payor That Has Electronic Access To Medical Records From Requesting Medical Records In A Different Format From A Healthcare Provider.

LA SB130

Provides for payment of health insurance provider claim payment claims. (8/1/21)

TN SB0666

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to healthcare services.

TN HB0885

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53; Title 56 and Title 71, relative to healthcare services.

KS HB2713

Enacting the ensuring transparency in prior authorization act to impose requirements and limitations on the use of prior authorization in healthcare.

LA HB468

Provides relative to utilization review standards and approval procedures for healthcare service claims submitted by healthcare providers (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

LA HB1280

Provides for the Louisiana Telehealth Access Act