Health: medical records; medical record fees; modify to exclude certain individuals. Amends secs. 3 & 9 of 2004 PA 47 (MCL 333.26263 & 333.26269).
Impact
The proposed changes in SB 1115 would directly affect the fee structure associated with obtaining medical records. Under the current law, healthcare providers are allowed to charge patients for the processing and copying of their medical records. The bill proposes to maintain certain charges while introducing provisions for waiving fees for medically indigent individuals, which would help ensure that access to medical records does not become a financial burden on these vulnerable populations. Such modifications could facilitate better patient care by ensuring that necessary medical information is accessible.
Summary
Senate Bill 1115 aims to amend the Michigan Medical Records Access Act initially established in 2004, focusing specifically on the conditions under which medical records may be accessed and the associated fees. The bill seeks to provide clearer definitions of terms such as 'authorized representative' and outlines the rights of individuals, particularly in the context of accessing medical records. This is particularly pertinent in cases where patients are unable to request their records themselves, such as with deceased patients or those deemed medically indigent.
Contention
While the bill is largely framed as a consumer protection measure, it may face scrutiny regarding the interpretation of 'medically indigent' and which individuals qualify for fee waivers. Proponents argue that waiving fees is essential for patient rights and access to information, while opponents may view this as potentially increasing administrative burdens on healthcare providers. Another point of contention may arise around the definitions of medical records and the costs associated with storing and retrieving older records, which could lead to further discussions around the responsibilities of healthcare providers.
Health: medical records; medical records access act; amend to reflect amendments to the public health code. Amends sec. 3 of 2004 PA 47 (MCL 333.26263).
Health: medical examiners; process for medical certification of a death record; modify. Amends secs. 2804, 2843, 2843b, 2844 & 16221 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2804 et seq.).
Health: medical examiners; process for medical certification of a death record; modify. Amends secs. 2804, 2843, 2843b, 2844 & 16221 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.2804 et seq.).
Health: electronic records; requirements for security and storage of electronic health records; provide for. Amends secs. 16213, 20175 & 20175a of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16213 et seq.).
Health: electronic records; requirements for security and storage of electronic health records; provide for. Amends secs. 16213 & 20175a of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16213 & 333.20175a).
Health: medical records; provision for the protection, retention, and maintenance of medical records referencing a vaginal or anal penetration treatment for 15 years by a health professional and health facility or agency; implement, and authorize department to provide guidance to licensees on certain medical services. Amends secs. 16213, 20175, 20175a & 20199 of 1978 PA 368 (MCL 333.16213 et seq.) & adds secs. 16213a, 16429, 17029, 17529, 17829, 17909 & 20175b.
Mental health: other; deadline for mental health providers to release mental health records or information to child protective service workers; modify. Amends sec. 748a of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1748a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5611'24
Mental health: other; deadline for mental health professionals to release mental health records or information pertinent to child abuse or neglect investigation to the department; modify. Amends sec. 748a of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.1748a). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4531'25
Probate: other; designation of a patient surrogate for health care decisions; allow. Amends 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.1101 - 700.8206) by adding pt. 6 to art. V & repeals sec. 66h of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.66h). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4419'25
Probate: other; designation of a patient surrogate for health care decisions; allow. Amends 1998 PA 386 (MCL 700.1101 - 700.8206) by adding pt. 6 to art. V & repeals sec. 66h of 1939 PA 280 (MCL 400.66h).
Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)
Consent to admissions to certain health care facilities by patient representatives, allocation of nursing beds for patients with certain complex needs, and a complex patient pilot program. (FE)