summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 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 aims to improve patient access to their medical records by establishing clearer timelines and formats for providers to furnish these records. It mandates that various healthcare providers, including those offering mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and nursing home care, must provide copies of patient records within a specified number of working days after a request is made by the patient or their "legal representative," which is defined as an attorney, guardian, court-appointed representative, or other designated individual. Furthermore, providers with electronic health record systems are required to furnish records in the format chosen by the requester, such as electronic copies or through a patient portal. The bill also revises provisions related to the disclosure of patient records without consent and makes conforming changes to cross-references in other statutes, with an effective date of January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules (on 02/26/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1309 |
| Analysis - Health & Human Services Committee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1309/Analyses/h1309c.HHS.PDF |
| Analysis - Health & Human Services Committee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1309/Analyses/h1309b.HHS.PDF |
| Analysis - Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1309/Analyses/h1309a.HPP.PDF |
| Analysis - Health Professions & Programs Subcommittee (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1309/Analyses/h1309.HPP.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1309/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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