Bill > HB1438

This bill establishes new regulations for medical record fees in Indiana, aiming to make medical records more accessible and affordable for patients. The bill defines "legal representative" as including an attorney and expands the definition of "medical record" to include mental health records. Providers must now provide medical records in the form and format requested by patients or their legal representatives, if readily producible. The bill caps fees for medical record production at $6.50 for electronic records and limits third-party providers to charging no more than $2.50 for record production. Supply costs are restricted to $0.05 per page, and providers are prohibited from charging retrieval fees. The legislation requires providers to offer one free copy of medical records to patients or their legal representatives when requesting records for Social Security disability insurance or Supplemental Security Income applications or appeals. Additionally, the bill limits certification fees to $5 and explicitly prohibits providers from charging fees for billing statements. These provisions are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and are designed to reduce financial barriers for patients seeking access to their medical information.