Committee advances substitute clarifying when a medical visit creates a discrete medical record

The House Health Care & Wellness Committee on Feb. 7 reported out substitute House Bill 1394, which modifies the state’s rules on medical record retention by clarifying that a medical record is created at each unique patient visit.

Committee staff explained the substitute (H‑1135.1) by Representative Parsley clarifies the definition of a medical record so hospitals and providers know what constitutes a single record for retention purposes. “This is the bill that changes the retention period for medical records. There is a proposed substitute in your books by Representative Parsley, H‑1135.1. The proposed substitute clarifies that a medical record is created at each unique visit,” staff said.

Sponsors and supporters told the panel the substitute addresses hospital concerns and provides clarity on what information must be retained for each visit. Committee members conducted an expedited voice roll call; the substitute was reported out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation.

The committee did not take additional formal amendments during the public record for this item. The substitute will move to further House consideration.