Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1104

Introduced
4/3/25  
Refer
4/3/25  

Caption

In rules of evidence, further providing for subpoena of records.

Impact

The impact of HB 1104 on state laws could be significant, as it directly influences the financial dynamics between healthcare providers and the legal system regarding record retrieval. By setting specific charges for record reproduction, the bill enhances transparency around costs and helps to ensure that providers are compensated for their time and resources. At the same time, it may provide a more systematic approach to how legal entities obtain medical records, which is crucial in litigation and evidence collection. Stakeholders in the healthcare sector, such as hospitals and clinics, might find relief in having clear guidelines on allowable fees.

Summary

House Bill 1104 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on the rules regarding the subpoena of medical records. The bill proposes adjusting the fees that healthcare providers can charge for searching, retrieving, and providing copies of records in response to subpoenas. It establishes a structured fee schedule for different types of records and mandates annual adjustments based on the consumer price index. This legislative change seeks to clarify the costs associated with medical records in legal situations and to protect healthcare providers from bearing excessive financial burdens when complying with subpoenas.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1104 appears to be mostly positive among healthcare providers who support the need for clarity and fair compensation related to record subpoenas. However, there may be pushback from legal advocates and patients concerned about the potential for increased costs affecting access to records. Additionally, balancing the privacy of patient information with the legal requirements for records production is a delicate issue that may generate divergent opinions. The stakeholders involved in health law and patient advocacy will likely have conflicting views on how the bill could affect patient rights and access to health information.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the fee structure outlined in the bill. Critics could argue that fees, even if regulated, might still present barriers for individuals or legal entities with limited resources trying to obtain crucial medical information. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding how these costs impact patient privacy; higher fees might deter individuals from seeking justice or pursuing legal action related to health issues. Lastly, the effective date of the bill, set for 60 days post-enactment, could prompt questions about preparedness among healthcare institutions to comply with the new provisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2198

In rules of evidence, further providing for subpoena of records.

PA HB1784

In rules of evidence, providing for protection of reproductive health services records.

PA SB939

In rules of evidence, providing for protection of reproductive health services records.

PA SB994

In general administration, further providing for State recording system for application of restraints to pregnant prisoners or detainees; in county correctional institutions, further providing for county recording system for application of restraints to pregnant prisoners or detainees; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for healthy birth for incarcerated women.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB1788

In dockets, indices and other records, further providing for enforcement of foreign judgments.

PA SB936

In dockets, indices and other records, further providing for enforcement of foreign judgments.

PA HB1786

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.

PA SB935

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.