Tennessee lawmakers approve $90 flat fee for electronic medical records access

The Health Committee of the Tennessee State Legislature convened on March 25, 2025, to discuss several key legislative items, including amendments to existing bills aimed at improving patient access to medical records and addressing issues within the Medical Cannabis Commission.

The meeting began with the introduction of an amendment to House Bill 495, which focuses on the costs associated with obtaining electronic medical records from hospitals. The bill proposes a flat fee of $90 for patients and their representatives requesting these records electronically, a significant change from previous regulations that charged on a per-page basis. This amendment was supported by various stakeholders, including the Tennessee Bar Association and third-party record providers, who reached a consensus on the fee structure. The committee recognized the need for this adjustment, noting that the transition from paper to electronic records has altered the cost dynamics of accessing medical information.

Following a brief discussion, the committee voted unanimously in favor of the amended bill, allowing it to proceed to the next stage in the legislative process.

The committee then moved on to House Bill 830, which aims to address operational challenges faced by the Medical Cannabis Commission. The bill proposes to reconstitute the commission by removing the requirement for one appointee from each grand division of the state and expanding eligibility to include caregivers. This change is intended to enhance the commission's ability to function effectively and fulfill its mandate of developing a medical cannabis program for Tennessee.

An amendment to House Bill 830 was also introduced and approved without objection, further streamlining the legislative process for this bill.

In summary, the Health Committee's meeting highlighted significant advancements in patient access to medical records and efforts to strengthen the Medical Cannabis Commission. Both bills are now set to move forward in the legislative process, reflecting the committee's commitment to improving healthcare access and regulatory efficiency in Tennessee.