Medical Records - Fees - Attorneys Representing Patients

This Maryland law prohibits healthcare providers from charging fees when attorneys request copies of patient medical records for specific legal purposes. The change directly affects patients who hire lawyers to help them file claims or appeal denials of Social Security disability income or benefits. Previously, only patients, their personal representatives, and representatives from nonprofit legal services organizations were exempt from these fees. Now, attorneys representing patients are added to the list of individuals who can obtain these records without paying a charge, provided the records are used for Social Security-related claims. The new rule takes effect on October 1, 2024.