Health: medical records; rights of a minor patient; modify. Amends secs. 3 & 5 of 2004 PA 47 (MCL 333.26263 & 333.26265).

HB 5974 amends Michigan's Medical Records Access Act to clarify the definitions of key terms such as "authorized representative," "guardian," and "minor" within the context of health care. The bill specifically addresses the rights of minors to access their own medical records when they have received care without parental consent, ensuring they retain exclusive rights to those specific records. Additionally, the legislation updates the rules for how patients and their authorized representatives can request and obtain copies of medical records from health care providers and facilities. By refining these definitions and procedures, the bill aims to streamline the process for individuals seeking access to their health information while maintaining existing protections for patient privacy.