Bill > HB0259

This bill establishes a parent's right to access their child's medical records, defining "child" as anyone under 18 and "parent" based on legal relationship, with exceptions such as when parental rights are terminated, the child is emancipated, or a court order dictates otherwise, or for specific sexual assault counseling records. It mandates that healthcare facilities cannot restrict a parent's access to their child's electronic medical records, which are managed by electronic medical record system (EMRS) vendors, unless one of the specified exceptions applies, and any restrictions must be limited to the specific record portion that falls under an exception. The bill also imposes daily civil fines of $1,000 on healthcare facilities and EMRS vendors for non-compliance after December 31, 2027, with the attorney general empowered to enforce these provisions and collect fines, which will be deposited into the Division of Services for People with Disabilities Restricted Account. Healthcare facilities are also required to provide a notice to parents if they cannot access records and must provide requested records free of charge within five business days, facing a $1,000 fine per record for failure to do so, though these provisions do not apply to the Utah State Hospital, and the bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.