Bill > HB1496

This bill aims to strengthen patients' rights concerning their health care information by clarifying access and protection provisions. It introduces a new section that allows health care providers to charge a reasonable fee for providing health care information, with a specific limit of $50 for electronic records provided to the patient, their representative, an attorney, or a designated advocate, and clarifies that this fee limit also applies to third-party vendors. The bill also amends existing laws to refine definitions related to health care information, update procedures for obtaining records, and specify conditions under which access to health care information can be denied, such as when it could be injurious to the patient's health or lead to danger. Additionally, it clarifies that a patient who prevails in a legal action against a provider for non-compliance can recover attorneys' fees and expenses, and expands the definition of "prevailing patient" to include their legal representatives, power of attorney, guardian, and estate. Finally, it makes technical amendments regarding the disclosure of information related to sexually transmitted diseases and mental health services, and includes provisions for the effective date and expiration of certain sections.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1496&Year=2025&Initiative=false