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Senate RS would provide one free medical-record copy for Social Security disability applicants, sponsor says
Summary
Sen. Doug Ricks introduced RS31947C1 to require one free copy of medical records for Social Security disability applicants to ease the application process; the committee voted to send the RS to print.
Boise — Sen. Doug Ricks, R-District 34, introduced RS31947C1 to provide one free copy of medical records for people applying for Social Security disability, citing delays applicants face when gathering documentation.
Why it matters: Ricks said similar legislation passed the Senate last year but stalled elsewhere. He said the pared-down RS focuses only on medical records for Social Security disability applications and would provide one free copy of records to applicants or their representatives, who often need records to apply or to support appeals when the process can take 15 months to two years.
Committee action: Senator Wintrow moved to send RS31947C1 to print; Senator Blaylock seconded. The committee approved the motion on a voice vote; transcript records "Aye." The transcript does not contain bill text or details about which record custodians would be required to provide the free copy or any fiscal analysis.
Details and limits: Ricks described the RS as narrowly focused on medical records for Social Security disability; the transcript does not state whether the free copy would be electronic or paper, how costs are allocated among providers, or whether any exceptions would apply.
