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Sen. Doug Ricks seeks fee-free medical record copy for Social Security disability applicants
Summary
Sen. Doug Ricks introduced RS31947C1 to require a free copy of medical records for Social Security disability applicants or their representatives; committee voted to send the proposal to print.
Senator Doug Ricks introduced RS31947C1 to the Health and Welfare Committee, saying the request is a narrowed version of a bill that previously passed the Senate but stalled in the other chamber.
Ricks said the pared-down request would require one free copy of medical records for people applying for Social Security disability, who otherwise may wait “15 months to 2 years” for adjudication and often rely on attorneys or representatives to obtain records. He told the committee that applicants and their representatives currently face costs and delays and that the RS aims to remove a financial barrier.
Ricks asked the committee to send RS31947C1 to print. Senator Wintrow moved to send RS31947C1 to print; Senator Blaylock seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote; the transcript does not show a roll-call tally.
Sponsor described the request as limited to medical records for Social Security disability applications; the committee did not adopt amendments during the session. The bill-drafting stage will determine the statutory wording, enforcement and any fiscal effects.
