Bill Caption

Relating to certain duties of physicians regarding patient records.

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

SB 1520 would amend the Occupations Code to require a medical practice to provide a list of each patient seen in the prior two years and on written authorization of a patient access to the patient’s medical records to a departing physician. The medical practice would be permitted to charge a fee for the copying of patient medical records. Finally, physicians would be required to notify patients before departing and give the opportunity for the patients to request copies of billing or medical records.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill deals with the private medical records and billing information maintained by physicians. Because these records are personal, they are the private property of individuals and these individuals should have easy and reasonable access to them. On the other hand, the legislature is not in the best position to ensure that medical practices are able to recoup any cost associated with maintaining and producing these records, that's something best left to the doctor and patient to determine. 

Because of these conflicts, we will remain neutral on SB 1520.