Bill > S597

This bill, by amending Chapter 93 of the General Laws, aims to safeguard patient medical records by declaring any contract provision that allows someone other than the patient or their authorized representative to deny a health care provider access to those records as void and unenforceable, meaning it will have no legal effect because it goes against public policy. A health care provider cannot legally give up their right to access patient records under this provision. Furthermore, intentionally blocking or threatening to block a health care provider's access to a patient's electronic medical records, unless legally permitted, will be considered an unfair or deceptive business practice under Chapter 93A, which is a law that prohibits such actions. The bill defines "health care provider" broadly to include any person or entity that provides medical care or services, such as doctors, nurses, dentists, and therapists.