Bill > A03733

This bill amends the New York mental hygiene law to designate medical records of patients who have been deceased for 50 years or longer as "historic records" that are no longer subject to privacy protections. Specifically, the bill adds a provision to existing law stating that such records can be freely accessed and are not considered confidential, while also explicitly clarifying that healthcare facilities are not required to retain these clinical records for any specific length of time. The purpose appears to be to facilitate historical research and access to older medical documents by removing privacy restrictions after a significant period has passed since a patient's death, while giving healthcare facilities flexibility in record retention practices.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3733