summary
Introduced
02/25/2025
02/25/2025
In Committee
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Crossed Over
04/10/2025
04/10/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to patient access to records; amending s. 394.4615, F.S.; requiring a service provider to furnish and provide access to records within a specified timeframe after receiving a request for such records; requiring that certain service providers furnish such records in the manner chosen by the requester; amending s. 395.3025, F.S.; removing provisions requiring a licensed facility to furnish patient records only after discharge to conform to changes made by the act; revising provisions relating to the appropriate disclosure of patient records without consent; amending s. 397.501, F.S.; requiring a service provider to furnish and provide access to records within a specified timeframe after receiving a request from an individual or the individual's legal representative; requiring that certain service providers furnish such records in the manner chosen by the requester; amending s. 400.145, F.S.; revising the timeframe within which a nursing home facility must provide access to and copies of resident records after receiving a request for such records; creating s. 408.833, F.S.; defining the term "legal representative"; requiring a provider to furnish and provide access to records within a specified timeframe after receiving a request from a client or the client's legal representative; requiring that certain providers furnish such records in the manner chosen by the requester; authorizing a provider to impose reasonable terms necessary to preserve such records; providing exceptions; amending s. 456.057, F.S.; requiring certain licensed health care practitioners to furnish and provide access to copies of reports and records within a specified timeframe after receiving a request from a patient or the patient's legal representative; requiring that certain licensed health care practitioners furnish such reports and records in the manner chosen by the requester; defining the term "legal representative"; authorizing such licensed health care practitioners to impose reasonable terms necessary to preserve such reports and records; amending ss. 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 429.294, 440.185, and 456.47, F.S.; conforming cross- references; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive updates to patient record access across various healthcare settings in Florida, requiring healthcare providers and facilities to furnish patient records within specific timeframes and through flexible delivery methods. The bill mandates that service providers, including mental health facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, nursing homes, and individual healthcare practitioners, must provide requested records within 14 working days (or 24 hours for nursing home residents), with options to deliver records in paper or electronic formats based on the patient's preference. The legislation defines "legal representative" as someone officially designated by the patient to receive medical records, such as an attorney, guardian, or court-appointed representative. Providers are permitted to impose reasonable terms to protect records during examination and can charge standard copying fees. The bill also updates various cross-references in existing statutes to ensure consistency and clarifies confidentiality provisions while expanding patient access to their medical information. Notably, the bill creates new statutory provisions that standardize record access procedures across different types of healthcare providers, aiming to make medical record retrieval more transparent, efficient, and patient-centered. The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2026, giving healthcare providers time to adapt to the updated requirements.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Other Sponsors (1)
Health & Human Services Committee (H)
Last Action
Indefinitely postponed and withdrawn from consideration (on 05/03/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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