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Bill

B 26-0167

Personal Medical Record Fee Exemption Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Phil Mendelson

DC bill eliminates patient fees for personal medical record copies to improve healthcare access and reduce financial barriers to obtaining health information.

Referred to Committee on Health
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Bill Summary · B 26-0167

Legislative bill overview

Bill B 26-0167 would exempt individuals from paying fees when requesting copies of their personal medical records from healthcare providers in the District of Columbia. The bill amends existing regulations that currently allow healthcare facilities to charge administrative fees for record retrieval and copying services.

Why is this important

Medical record fees can range from $0.50 to several dollars per page, creating financial barriers for patients who need copies for insurance claims, second opinions, or medical transfers. Removing these fees increases patient access to their own health information and reduces costs for vulnerable populations who may need frequent record requests.

Potential points of contention

  • Healthcare provider costs: Medical facilities argue that administrative costs for retrieving, reviewing, and copying records are real expenses that currently justify fee structures; eliminating fees could strain smaller practices' budgets
  • Implementation logistics: Unclear whether the exemption applies to rush requests, electronic delivery, or only standard processing; definitions may require additional regulatory clarification
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language regarding which entities must comply (hospitals, clinics, individual practitioners, mental health providers) and whether any exceptions exist needs clarification during committee review

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

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