CIV PRO-PROTECTED HEALTH INFO

Amends the Inspection of Records Article of the Code of Civil Procedure. Expands the definitions of "health care facility" and "health care practitioner" to include entities that contract to provide copies of protected health information. Defines "patient", "patient's representative", and "protected health information". Changes references to "health care records" to "protected health information". Makes changes concerning who may be granted access to a patient's protected health information and the charges for copies of protected health information. Provides that a health care facility or health care practitioner shall provide the patient or patient's representative with access to the protected health information in the form and format requested. Deletes language providing for a $20 handling charge for processing a request for protected health information in a paper copy. Provides that each health care facility and health care provider shall adopt policies for the examination of protected health information that meets certain requirements. Provides that a health care facility or health care practitioner shall provide without charge one copy of a patient's protected health information for the purpose of supporting a claim for disability or medical assistance benefits. Effective immediately.