Bill > S1519

This bill amends Chapter 118I of Massachusetts General Laws to establish new requirements for medical providers when patients request their medical records. Specifically, providers must now supply complete and current medical information to patients or their authorized representatives within 15 business days of receiving a written request. The records must be provided in terms and language the patient can reasonably understand. Patients can request either full copies of their health records (including laboratory reports, x-rays, prescriptions, and other technical information) or specific portions of their record related to a particular health condition. Providers may charge a reasonable cost for these records and, with patient consent, can alternatively provide a summary of the record. The bill requires that providers include all information necessary for the patient's informed consent but allows them to exclude speculative notes about the patient's health condition. This legislation aims to improve patient access to their medical information and ensure transparency in healthcare documentation.