Medical Records:
Under the new law, Texas covered entities must provide patients with their EHRs in electronic format within 15 business days after receipt of a written request. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will soon recommend a standard format for the release of EHRs that is consistent with federal law.
Now let’s talk about Enforcement Authority:
Following the Office of Civil Rights’ recent lead, the website of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas will contain consumer access to public health information to educate members of the public, including the steps to take to file a complaint with applicable state agencies and their contact information. These state agencies will file annual complaint reports to the Attorney General of Texas. Then, the Attorney General will provide an annual report to the Texas Legislature that includes an overview and statistical analysis of the complaints received.