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HB 476

Medical records; set maximum amounts of fees that may be charged for providing in electronic format.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Noah Sanford

HB 476 caps fees healthcare providers can charge Mississippi patients for electronic medical records, reducing financial barriers to accessing personal health information.

Referred To Judiciary A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 476

Legislative bill overview

HB 476 would establish a legal cap on the fees that healthcare providers can charge patients for obtaining their medical records in electronic format. The bill limits what providers can bill patients when they request digital copies of their health information, a service currently allowed under federal law but without specific Mississippi-level fee restrictions.

Why is this important

Medical records are essential for continuity of care, second opinions, and personal health management, but excessive copying fees can create financial barriers to accessing one's own health information. Establishing reasonable fee limits makes healthcare more accessible and transparent while clarifying what providers can charge across Mississippi's healthcare system.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare provider costs: Providers may argue that copying and transmission fees help offset administrative and IT infrastructure costs, and that a cap could increase their operating expenses
  • Competitive market argument: Healthcare industry may contend that market competition already limits unreasonable fees, making legislation unnecessary
  • Fee amount uncertainty: The bill's specific fee cap amount is not detailed in this summary, so stakeholders may disagree on what constitutes "reasonable" versus "excessive"

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

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