HB1961

House Bill 1961 authorizes medical providers in Arkansas to temporarily withhold medical records from patients for up to 30 days if the provider believes immediate disclosure could negatively impact the patient's health or safety. This provision, termed a 'therapeutic privilege,' is intended to allow providers time to review complex information and prepare a treatment plan before discussing the results with the patient. To exercise this exemption, providers must make a good-faith effort to schedule a timely discussion with the patient to interpret the findings. The temporary withholding must be limited to the minimum time necessary and cannot exceed the 30-day window. Once the discussion occurs or the risk to the patient subsides, the records must be released in full compliance with state and federal regulations. The bill also amends existing law regarding access to medical records for legal proceedings to require compliance with these new provisions. An emergency clause is included, making the act effective on July 1, 2025.