Bill > HB1496

This bill strengthens patients' rights regarding health care information by establishing new provisions for accessing and obtaining medical records. Under the bill, health care providers may charge a fee for providing health care information, but this fee is capped at $50 for certain recipients, including patients, their representatives, attorneys, other health care providers, advocates, and guardians. The state department is required to develop rules for establishing reasonable fees based on actual searching and production costs, rather than per-page calculations, and must consider electronic health record capabilities. The bill also modifies existing definitions related to health care information, updates language around patient authorization for information disclosure, and clarifies the process for patients to obtain their medical records. Additionally, the bill expands the definition of who can be considered a "prevailing patient" in legal actions related to health care information disclosure, ensuring broader protection for patients and their representatives. The changes aim to make health care information more accessible while maintaining appropriate privacy protections and setting clear guidelines for fee structures and information sharing.

Health and Social Services

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