Connecticut General Assembly enacts bill regulating health record fees for state contractors

The Connecticut State Legislature has introduced House Bill 7227, aimed at reforming the fees associated with accessing health records for patients and their representatives. The bill, presented on April 9, 2025, seeks to establish a cap on the fees that healthcare providers can charge when patients request their health records, particularly for those intending to enter into state contracts.

The primary provision of the bill stipulates that providers cannot charge more than the lesser of the fees outlined in federal regulations or $250, plus any applicable first-class postage and reasonable costs for copies of imaging materials. This measure is designed to enhance accessibility to health records, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent patients from obtaining their medical information.

A significant aspect of the bill is its stipulation that providers who do not comply with these fee limits will be ineligible for state contracts. This provision aims to incentivize compliance and protect patients' rights to access their health information without excessive costs.

Debate surrounding House Bill 7227 has focused on the balance between ensuring patient access to health records and the financial implications for healthcare providers. Some stakeholders argue that the fee caps may strain smaller practices, while advocates emphasize the importance of patient rights and transparency in healthcare.

The bill's implications extend beyond individual patient-provider interactions; it could reshape the landscape of state contracting with healthcare providers, potentially leading to broader reforms in how health records are managed and accessed in Connecticut. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its outcomes could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other states, reflecting a growing trend toward patient-centered healthcare policies.

House Bill 7227 is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025, pending further legislative approval. As discussions continue, the bill represents a significant step toward improving patient access to health information in Connecticut.