Bills · HR 7790
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7790Health
Medical Records Access Fairness Act of 2026
INTRO MAR 4· LAST ACTION MAR 4
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it directly addresses the financial and logistical barriers many people face when trying to access their own health information. In today's healthcare system, individuals often need their medical records for various reasons, such as getting second opinions, applying for disability, or simply keeping track of their health history. Currently, the fees charged by providers, even if capped, can add up and discourage people from obtaining important documents.
If this bill becomes law, it would empower patients by giving them easier, free access to their health data, which can lead to better-informed healthcare decisions and improved health outcomes. If it doesn't pass, patients will likely continue to pay fees for their medical records, potentially creating an obstacle to their ability to manage their own health information effectively and increasing out-of-pocket costs.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Health care providers may only charge a fee for protected health information if the individual requests a duplicate copy within the same calendar year or a non-electronic copy when an electronic version is freely available online.
This provision ensures that most first-time requests for medical records will be free, removing a common financial barrier for patients.
PROVISION 02
If an individual requests that their medical records be sent to another healthcare provider, the transmitting provider should send them in a format that the receiving provider can easily use.
This helps improve coordination of care between different doctors and facilities, potentially leading to safer and more efficient treatment.
PROVISION 03
The bill explicitly states that health care providers are not required to provide free copies of protected health information to a patient's attorney.
This clarifies the scope of the free access provision, preventing it from extending to legal requests which often involve different processes and purposes.
PROVISION 04
The Secretary of Health and Human Services must create and amend regulations to carry out these requirements within six months of the bill becoming law.
This ensures that there will be clear rules and guidelines for healthcare providers to follow when implementing the new fee structure.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· Illinois
YRS IN OFFICE
18
BILLS LED
38
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 4
Introduced in House
MAR 4
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7790
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 4, 2026
Last actionMar 4, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2026
House BillHR 7790Health
Medical Records Access Fairness Act of 2026
INTRODUCED MAR 4, 2026· LAST ACTION MAR 4, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
