Bill > HB681

This bill modifies existing Mississippi state laws governing dental and medical record retention by introducing a new requirement for dental and physician practices when records reach their prescribed retention period. Specifically, when the standard retention period expires (10 years for medical records, 10 years for dental records), practices must proactively contact patients and offer them an opportunity to take possession of their personal medical or dental records. If a patient chooses not to take the records, the practice must now obtain and retain a written or electronic signature from the patient documenting their election to not take possession of the records. This ensures patients have a final chance to retrieve potentially important personal health documentation before records are potentially destroyed, and creates a formal documentation process for patient acknowledgment. The new requirements apply to both dental and medical practices and will go into effect on July 1, 2025, giving healthcare practices time to update their record management procedures. The bill aims to enhance patient transparency and provide an additional opportunity for individuals to access their personal health information before records are potentially retired or destroyed.

Health and Social Services

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0681.xml