Bill > HB1961

This bill allows medical providers temporary exemptions from federal information-blocking regulations to protect patients during medical record disclosure. Specifically, the bill defines "information-blocking" as practices that unreasonably interfere with accessing electronic health information and provides medical providers with the ability to withhold medical records for up to 30 days under certain circumstances. These circumstances include when a provider reasonably believes immediate disclosure could adversely affect the patient's health or safety, needs time to review test results, and plans to schedule a discussion with the patient to explain the records. The temporary withholding must be limited to the minimum necessary time and cease after the patient discussion occurs. The bill emphasizes that this exemption does not allow permanent record withholding, create legal liability for good-faith providers, or exempt providers from other medical record disclosure laws. An emergency clause is included, stating the law's importance in ensuring patients receive accurate and comprehensible medical information, with the act set to become effective on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1961&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R