Bill > HB316

This bill modifies the definition of a "medical record" under Maryland law to ensure greater confidentiality of patient information. Previously, a medical record primarily consisted of information "entered into the record of a patient or recipient," but this bill changes that to include information "recorded by a health care provider through written, electronic, or other means, including audio or video means," broadening the scope of what constitutes a medical record. Crucially, it also explicitly adds "electronic message sent or received by a health care provider that identifies or may readily be associated with the identity of a patient" to the definition, meaning communications like emails or secure messages between a patient and their doctor will now be protected as part of the medical record. This change aims to encompass all forms of health-related information a provider possesses, regardless of how it was documented or transmitted, thereby strengthening patient privacy protections.

Health and Social Services

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0316?ys=2026RS