TO ALLOW MEDICAL PROVIDERS TEMPORARY EXEMPTIONS FROM FEDERAL INFORMATION-BLOCKING REGULATIONS TO SAFEGUARD PATIENTS DURING INFORMATION DISCLOSURE; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

HB 1961 would allow medical providers in Arkansas to temporarily withhold a patient's medical records for up to 30 days from the patient or their authorized representative. This is permitted if the provider reasonably believes immediate disclosure could negatively affect the patient's health or safety due to misinterpretation, requires time to review the information to prepare a treatment plan, and schedules a timely discussion with the patient. The temporary withholding must be for the minimum necessary period and ceases once the discussion occurs or the risk is no longer present. After this period, all applicable federal and state information-blocking laws apply, and the records must be released promptly.