California State Senate Protects a Patient’s Right to Medical Records

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, Senator Richard D. Roth’s Medical Records Protection Act won the approval of his colleagues on the Senate Floor. It is now on its way to the State Assembly.

“This is a victory for Californians,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “In today’s world of managed care, it is of the utmost importance that patients have access to medical records throughout their lifetimes. A physician has a responsibility for a patient’s continuity of care; this bill ensures that responsibility is taken seriously. ”

SB 1238 requires that a healthcare provider send a simple notice, via email or post, to a patient’s last known address, notifying them that their personal healthcare record will be destroyed and when. The patient then has the right to make arrangements to receive their medical records before they are destroyed.

Senator Roth continued: “Ensuring that a patient has access to their medical records secures an early diagnosis and treatment, saves a patient from an unnecessary procedure, and, on occasion, saves a life.”

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.