HB 1318

Abstract

Creates the Patient Health Information Act. Provides that every patient may examine and receive a reasonable explanation of his or her total bill for health care services rendered by his or her health care professional or health care provider. Provides for the disclosure of the nature or details of health care services provided to patients to specified parties. Requires that every health care professional and health care provider, upon written request of a patient, permit the patient or other specified parties to examine and copy the patient's records. Provides for a health care professional or health care provider's responsibility for maintaining and transferring patient medical records. Provides for implementation by the Department of Public Health. Amends the Code of Civil Procedure. Replaces provisions regarding the availability of patient records with a provision stating that patient health care records are available from health care professionals and health care providers in accordance with the Patient Health Information Act. In a provision concerning attorney's records, provides that any requested fees must be paid to receive copies of the attorney's records and that entities legally authorized to receive copies, including via a subpoena, must comply with the provisions concerning attorney's records. Effective immediately.