Idaho committee holds bill to require one free copy of medical records for Social Security disability claims

The House Health and Welfare Committee on Wednesday considered Senate Bill 1087, a bill that would require health-care providers to furnish one free copy of a patient’s medical records when needed to support a documented claim or appeal under the Social Security Act. After debate and testimony, two roll-call votes on competing motions each ended in 6-6 ties; committee staff announced the bill will be held in committee.

Senate Bill 1087, as described by Representative Josh Wheeler (R., District 35), would require providers to deliver one free copy of a patient’s medical records — including physical or mental health records — where the records are needed for a documented Social Security disability claim. The measure includes an exemption for smaller, independently owned providers with fewer than 50 employees that do not contract with third‑party record vendors, sets a 30‑day timeline for fulfilling requests, and asks providers to prioritize electronic delivery when possible.

“That is going to remove some bureaucratic barriers for Idahoans navigating the Social Security system,” Representative Wheeler said, urging the committee to send the bill to the House floor with a due‑pass recommendation. Senator Doug Ricks (R., District 34), who has carried similar measures in the Senate, described the bill as a narrowed, multi‑year effort intended to address high charges tied to…