Idaho bill mandates free patient medical records for Social Security claims

The Idaho House Health & Welfare Committee convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss a significant piece of legislation aimed at improving access to medical records for patients. The proposed bill, known as Bill 1087, mandates that healthcare providers must provide one free copy of a patient's medical records—both physical and mental health records—when needed to support a claim or appeal under the Social Security Act.

To ensure that the bill is fair, it includes exemptions for smaller healthcare providers, specifically those with fewer than 50 employees who do not use third-party services for record management. The legislation also establishes a 30-day timeline for fulfilling requests and encourages providers to prioritize electronic delivery of records whenever possible.

Proponents of the bill argue that it will help eliminate bureaucratic obstacles for Idaho residents seeking to access benefits they have contributed to through the Social Security system. Senator Doug Ricks, who spoke in support of the bill, highlighted the importance of this legislation in facilitating easier access to necessary documentation for patients.

The committee is expected to vote on whether to send the bill to the floor with a recommendation for passage, indicating strong support for the initiative aimed at enhancing patient rights and access to healthcare information.