WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HD 3250

An Act ensuring access to medical records

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Andy Vargas

Massachusetts bill requires healthcare providers to grant patients timely access to medical records at reasonable costs, removing barriers to personal health information.

0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 3250

Legislative bill overview

HD 3250 requires healthcare providers in Massachusetts to provide patients with access to their complete medical records in a timely manner and at reasonable cost. The bill establishes standards for how quickly records must be delivered and limits fees that providers can charge for copying and transmitting these records.

Why is this important

Patient access to medical records is fundamental to informed healthcare decision-making, enabling individuals to understand their diagnoses, treatments, and care options. Barriers to record access—such as excessive fees or unreasonable delays—can impede second opinions, continuity of care between providers, and patients' ability to catch medical errors.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden on providers: Healthcare facilities may argue that digitizing, retrieving, and transmitting records requires significant infrastructure investment that shouldn't fall entirely on providers through fee restrictions
  • Definition of "reasonable cost": The bill's specifics on what constitutes reasonable fees could be ambiguous, creating disputes between patients and providers over appropriate charges
  • Timeline feasibility: Strict deadlines for record delivery may be difficult for some providers to meet, particularly for large or complex historical records, potentially creating compliance challenges
  • Privacy and security concerns: Expanded access and transmission of sensitive health information raises questions about data breach liability and protection measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.