Dental and medical records; require practices to offer to patients upon expiration of prescribed retention period.
The proposed legislation will significantly affect the protocols surrounding the retention and disposal of medical and dental records in Mississippi. By requiring healthcare practices to inform patients about their records and document their choices, the bill will not only empower patients but may also lead to an increase in record retention, as practices will need to engage with patients before taking any actions regarding their files. Medical and dental boards may also need to provide further education and training to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
House Bill 681 aims to amend sections of the Mississippi Code of 1972, specifically targeting the practices of dentists and physicians regarding the handling of patient records. The bill mandates that both dental and medical practices must offer patients their records upon the expiration of the prescribed retention period. Furthermore, if a patient chooses not to take possession of their records, the practices are required to seek the patient's written or electronic signature to confirm this decision. This change is intended to enhance patient autonomy and ensure that patients are aware of their rights concerning their medical and dental information.
Potential points of contention may arise from the additional administrative burdens placed on healthcare providers due to the new requirements. Some practitioners might view these additional steps as cumbersome, arguing it could detract from time spent on patient care. Others may argue that the focus on documenting patient preferences over record retention ultimately serves to improve patient trust and enhance the quality of care by prioritizing patient engagement and awareness in healthcare practices.