Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Health Care & Wellness Committee |
HB 2074
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning fees for health records.
Sponsors: Representatives Sawyer, Rodne, Jinkins, Pedersen, Kirby, Cody, Hansen and Hargrove.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/27/14
Staff: Chris Blake (786-7392).
Background:
The Uniform Health Care Information Act governs the disclosure of health care information by health care providers and their agents or employees in Washington. Health care providers may charge a reasonable fee for providing copies of health care records.
A "reasonable fee" is established in statute as 65 cents per page for the first 30 pages and 50 cents per page for any additional pages. A clerical fee of $15 may also be charged for searching and handling. The amounts must be adjusted every two years according to changes in the Consumer Price Index, as determined by the Secretary of Health. The current adjusted rates, as adopted in rule by the Secretary of Health, are $1.09 per page for the first 30 pages, 82 cents per page for all other pages, and a clerical fee of up to $24.
Summary of Bill:
In addition to per page fees for copying health records, a health care provider may charge a copying fee of up to $20 for health records provided in an electronic format.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.