summary
Introduced
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
In Committee
03/06/2025
03/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to patient access to records; amending s. 394.4615, F.S.; requiring a mental health service provider to furnish records within a specified timeframe after receiving a request for such records; authorizing an extension of the timeframe under certain circumstances; requiring such providers to furnish records in the form and format chosen by the requester, if readily producible; amending s. 395.3025, F.S.; deleting provisions requiring hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to furnish patient records only after discharge, to conform to changes made by the act; establishing that the Department of Health, rather than the Agency for Health Care Administration, has the authority to issue subpoenas for patient records from hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers in certain circumstances; amending s. 397.501, F.S.; requiring a substance abuse service provider to furnish and provide access to records within a specified timeframe after receiving a written request from an individual or the individual’s legal representative; authorizing an extension of the timeframe under certain circumstances; requiring such service providers to furnish records in the manner chosen by the requester, if readily producible; 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; republishing s. 408.803(6), F.S., relating to the definition of the term “client” used in part II of ch. 408, F.S.; creating s. 408.833, F.S.; defining the terms “designated record set” and “legal representative”; requiring a provider to furnish and provide access to records within a specified timeframe after receiving a written request from a client or the client’s legal representative; authorizing an extension of the timeframe under certain circumstances; requiring providers to furnish records in the form and format chosen by the requester, if readily producible; providing exceptions for providers governed by specified provisions; amending s. 456.057, F.S.; defining the terms “designated record set” and “legal representative”; requiring certain health care practitioners to furnish and provide access to records within a specified timeframe after receiving a written request from a patient or the patient’s legal representative; authorizing an extension of the timeframe under certain circumstances; requiring health care practitioners to furnish records in the form and format chosen by the requester, if readily producible; amending ss. 316.1932, 316.1933, 395.4025, 397.702, 429.294, 440.185, and 456.47, F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill aims to standardize and improve patient access to medical records across various healthcare settings in Florida by establishing clear guidelines for record requests and delivery. The bill creates uniform requirements for mental health service providers, substance abuse service providers, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare practitioners regarding how and when they must provide patients or their legal representatives with copies of their medical records. Specifically, providers must now furnish requested records within 14 business days, with the option to extend the timeframe by an additional 14 business days if they notify the requester in writing. The records must be provided in the form and format requested by the patient, such as through a web portal, email, physical media, or printed paper, as long as the records can be readily produced in that format. The bill also defines terms like "designated record set" and "legal representative" and establishes exceptions for certain types of medical records, such as those from psychiatric facilities or substance abuse treatment centers. These changes are designed to give patients more control and transparency regarding their medical information while providing clear, consistent standards for healthcare providers across different types of medical facilities.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (2)
Other Sponsors (2)
Health Policy (S), Rules (S)
Last Action
Laid on Table, refer to CS/HB 1083 (on 04/30/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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