BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 4224
	By: Hull; Howard (Kolkhorst)
	Health & Human Services
	5/9/2025
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Access to medical records is a protected right under HIPAA and is essential for individuals and families to make informed health care decisions. While covered entities are required to provide these records, each provider often has its own process, which can be confusing, inconsistent, or unclear to patients. When issues arise, such as a provider failing to release records or follow its own policies, patients may not know how to file a complaint or even that they have the right to do so. H.B. 4224 aims to improve transparency and protect patient rights by requiring health care providers to prominently post clear instructions on how to request records and file complaints, both online and at their facilities.

H.B. 4224 amends current law relating to information regarding consumer access to health care records.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 181, Health and Safety Code, by adding Section 181.105, as follows:

Sec. 181.105. REQUIRED INFORMATION REGARDING CONSUMER ACCESS TO HEALTH RECORDS AND COMPLAINTS. (a) Requires a covered entity, except as provided by Subsection (b), to prominently post on the entity's Internet website and at any entity facility detailed instructions for a consumer to request the consumer's health care records from the entity, contact the disciplinary or licensing authority for the covered entity, and file a consumer complaint as described by Section 181.103 (Sovereign Immunity).

(b) Provides that this section does not apply to a covered entity that conducts claims processing, data processing, data analysis, utilization review, or billing on behalf of another covered entity that provides health care services directly to consumers.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.