HB35 Alabama 2015 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2015

Title

Medical records, requests for, release to trial court or attorney of record, Secs. 12-21-5, 12-21-6, 12-21-7 am'd.

Summary

HB35 would let litigants in Alabama trials request medical records from providers and have certified copies delivered to the litigant, the court, or a lawyer for use in court.

What This Bill Does

It broadens who counts as a medical provider for records. It requires custodians to prepare a certified copy of requested hospital records when subpoenaed, seal it, and deliver it to the court, the litigant, or the attorney of record upon payment. The copies become admissible as prima facie evidence in court, and may be reproduced; access is limited until the court orders otherwise. The custodian’s certificate can include charges' reasonableness but is not required.

Who It Affects

• Litigants (and their attorneys) in Alabama court trials who need medical records and would receive certified copies either directly, via the court, or to their attorney.
• Medical providers and custodians of hospital or medical records who must process requests, prepare certified copies, certify them, and deliver them to the court, litigant, or attorney.

Key Provisions

• Defines medical provider to include a wide range of individuals and facilities that provide medical services (doctors, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, etc.).
• Allows a certified copy of hospital records to be obtained by subpoena duces tecum and delivered to the court, the litigant, or the attorney of record upon payment; records are sealed and not open to others until ordered by the court.
• Certified copies are admissible in evidence as prima facie proof of the facts shown, and may be reproduced by photostating or other means.
• The custodian’s certificate must identify the parties and court and certify that the copy is a true copy; it may also certify the reasonableness of charges but is not required.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Records