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A 7293

Relates to the rights of former outpatients of mental health facilities to have files sealed after ten years

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Gary Pretlow

Bill A 7293 allows former outpatient mental health patients to seal their records after ten years, enhancing privacy and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
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Bill Summary · A 7293

Summary of Bill A 7293

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: A 7293
  • Title: Relates to the rights of former outpatients of mental health facilities to have files sealed after ten years
  • Status: Referred to Mental Health
  • Introduced On: March 25, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 7293 aims to enhance the privacy rights of individuals who have previously received outpatient mental health services. The primary intent of the bill is to allow former outpatients to have their mental health records sealed after a period of ten years. This measure is designed to promote the dignity and confidentiality of individuals who have sought mental health treatment, thereby reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Key Provisions

  • Sealing of Records: The bill stipulates that mental health records of former outpatients can be sealed after a duration of ten years from the date of the last treatment.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Individuals who have completed their treatment and have not had any subsequent mental health issues during the ten-year period would be eligible for record sealing.
  • Process for Sealing: The bill outlines the procedural steps that individuals must follow to request the sealing of their records, ensuring that the process is accessible and straightforward.

Impact

  • Affected Individuals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be former outpatients of mental health facilities who seek to protect their privacy and reduce the potential for discrimination based on their mental health history.
  • Mental Health Facilities: Facilities providing outpatient services may need to adjust their record-keeping practices to comply with the new sealing requirements.
  • Public Perception: By facilitating the sealing of mental health records, the bill aims to contribute to a broader cultural shift towards understanding and accepting mental health challenges, potentially reducing stigma in society.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of March 25, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Mental Health committee for further consideration.
  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a series of related bills from prior sessions (A 2537, A 4237, A 3092, A 2519, A 3174, A 1596, A 4114, A 1787, A 4795) that address various aspects of mental health rights and services.

Conclusion

Bill A 7293 represents a significant step towards enhancing the rights of individuals who have received mental health treatment. By allowing for the sealing of records after ten years, the bill seeks to protect the privacy of former outpatients and promote a more accepting environment for those who have experienced mental health challenges. The bill is currently under review by the Mental Health committee, and its progress will be closely monitored by advocates and stakeholders in the mental health community.

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

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