The Medical Records Access Fairness Act of 2026 makes it easier and cheaper for patients to obtain copies of their medical records. Under this bill, healthcare providers can no longer charge patients a fee for accessing their own health information, with only two exceptions: providers may charge for duplicate copies requested multiple times in the same year or for paper copies when electronic versions are already available online for free. The legislation also allows patients to request that their records be sent directly to other healthcare providers at no cost, and providers can send records in whatever electronic format works best for the receiving provider. Healthcare providers must have new rules in place within six months of the law's enactment, with the requirements taking effect 180 days after passage. This change affects all patients and healthcare providers covered under privacy law, and aims to ensure individuals can easily access and share their own medical information without excessive fees.
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