SHB 1496 — Strengthening patients' rights regarding their health care information.

What this bill does

Directs the Department of Social and Health Services to determine the standard for a reasonable fee that health care providers and facilities may charge for providing health care information based upon several factors related to the availability of electronic record searching and the actual cost of producing patient records rather than a per page cost. Limits charges for providing patient health care information to no more than $50 when provided to the patient or the patient's representative, attorney, health care provider, advocate, or guardian. Allows a court to award attorneys' fees and expenses to the prevailing patient, rather than the prevailing party, in actions against a health care provider or facility for noncompliance with the Uniform Health Care Information Act.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

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Other bills sponsored by Berry

• 2SHB 1150 — Improving Washington's solid waste management outcomes.
• ESHB 1155 — Prohibiting noncompetition agreements and clarifying nonsolicitation agreements.
• E2SHB 1163 — Enhancing requirements relating to the purchase, transfer, and possession of firearms.
• E2SHB 1213 — Expanding protections for workers in the state paid family and medical leave program.
• HB 2264 — Concerning unemployment insurance benefits for workers separated from employment as a result of employer-initiated layoffs or workforce reductions.