Bill > SB368

This bill enhances patient rights regarding medical records and billing by requiring health care providers to provide patients with copies of their detailed billing records within ten working days of a request and to provide written notice if a credit exists on the patient's account. The bill also clarifies existing law by specifying that medical record requests must be fulfilled in a timely manner according to federal regulations (specifically Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations section 164.524(b)), with an exception if the health care provider believes releasing the records could be detrimental to the patient's health. In such cases, the provider must make records available to the patient's attorney upon receiving proper authorization. The bill introduces penalties for violations, though the specific fine amounts are not specified in the provided text. The term "health care provider" is defined by referencing another section of Hawaii law (section 671-1), and the bill will take effect immediately upon approval, potentially giving patients more transparency and control over their medical and billing information.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=368&year=2026