The proposed law will amend Chapter 118I of the General Laws to include a new section dedicated to medical records requests. By establishing clear guidelines and timelines for the provision of medical records, the bill could significantly improve transparency within the healthcare system and enable patients to participate more fully in their own care. The bill also allows for the exclusion of speculative information, thereby ensuring that only relevant and necessary data is shared with patients.
Summary
House Bill H2373 aims to enhance patient access to their medical records by mandating that healthcare providers furnish complete and current information relating to any diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis upon request. Specifically, the bill stipulates that providers must respond to written requests for medical records within 15 business days. This provision is designed to empower patients by ensuring they have timely access to their health information, which is a crucial aspect of patient autonomy and informed consent.
Contention
While the bill seems to support patient rights and autonomy, there may be concerns around the implementation of these requirements. Healthcare providers might express apprehensions about the potential administrative burden that could arise from accommodating numerous requests for health information within a tight timeframe. Additionally, the definition of what constitutes complete and current information may lead to debates or disagreements on compliance, especially regarding the interpretation of health records and necessary disclosures to patients.