AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63 and Title 68, relative to medical records.
The implications of this bill are significant for both healthcare providers and patients within Tennessee. Establishing standardized fee structures creates more transparency regarding the costs associated with obtaining medical records, which may enhance patient access to their own health information. Furthermore, the act aligns with federally mandated regulations under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the HITECH Act, thereby reinforcing compliance with federal standards.
SB0606 amends the Tennessee Code Annotated primarily focusing on the regulation of medical records management. The bill aims to establish specific fee structures that healthcare providers can charge for the copying and mailing of patients' medical records. For physical copies, the bill sets a cap of $25 for records that are five pages or less, with incremental charges for additional pages. For electronic records, the fees are similarly structured, with a maximum charge of $5 for ten pages or less.
In summary, SB0606 represents an important legislative attempt to regulate medical records in Tennessee, balancing the need for patient privacy and access with the operational realities faced by healthcare providers. As this bill moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor its execution and effect on both the healthcare system and patient rights.
Notably, the bill may lead to disparities in access to medical records for patients requiring extensive documentation due to potential costs. Stakeholders might express concern over how these fees could be a hurdle for low-income patients needing access to their health data, particularly in the case of appeals for social security disability benefits. Additionally, the delayed effective date of July 1, 2025, allows for further public discourse on the final implications of the changes proposed.