HB228 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim WadsworthRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Medical records, patient allow to request medical records from medical entities other than hospital, Secs. 12-21-5, 12-21-6, 12-21-7 am'd.

Summary

HB228 lets patients request medical records from any medical provider, including itemized charges, and requires custodians to process and deliver them the same way as hospital records.

What This Bill Does

Expands the right to request records from any medical provider, not just hospitals. Requires the itemization of charges to be included with the records, showing amounts paid and any written off or reduced. Allows the custodian of those records to process and deliver the records in the same manner as hospital records when requested, including submission to courts via subpoena. Keeps certified copies admissible as evidence in court when properly prepared and certified.

Who It Affects

• Patients and their legal representatives: can obtain comprehensive medical records from any medical provider, with itemized charges.
• Custodians of medical records (hospitals and other providers): must process these requests and provide certified copies with charge itemization under the same rules as for hospital records.

Key Provisions

• Defines 'medical provider' broadly to include physicians, dentists, pharmacists, hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, and other entities that provide medical services.
• Allows a patient to request all medical records from any medical provider, including itemization of charges, and requires the custodian to process and deliver the records in the same manner as hospital record requests.
• Requires itemization of charges to indicate amounts paid and those written off or reduced.
• Describes the subpoena process for obtaining records from a medical provider, including preparation of a certified copy, sealing, delivery to the court, and admissibility as prima facie evidence.

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