Bill > S01468

This bill expands and clarifies the definition and handling of medical records in New York State, broadening the scope of what constitutes a health record to include a wide range of patient information, X-rays, images, laboratory test results, and payment records. The legislation requires health care providers to release patient health records upon written request, with some specific exceptions (such as records concerning venereal disease treatment or abortion for infant patients). The bill also places restrictions on fees that can be charged for copying medical records, limiting paper copy charges to 75 cents per page and prohibiting charges for records requested to support government benefit applications. Additionally, the bill clarifies that when a health care provider works as an employee or contractor for another provider, the responsibility for record release falls on the primary employing or contracting health care provider. The legislation aims to make medical records more accessible to patients while protecting patient privacy and ensuring reasonable costs for record reproduction, and it applies to a broad range of health care practitioners including doctors, nurses, therapists, and other licensed medical professionals.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1468