Medical Records Access Fairness Act of 2026

Key Points

• The bill would make it free for patients to get a copy of their own medical records from their healthcare provider. Right now, many providers charge fees for printing, copying, or sending these files.
• There are two exceptions where providers can still charge: if you're asking for a duplicate copy of records you already received that same calendar year, or if you want a paper copy when a free digital version is already available through the provider's online portal.
• Patients can also ask their doctor to send records directly to another healthcare provider or a family caregiver at no cost, making it easier for your whole care team to stay on the same page.
• Lawyers are specifically excluded from the free access rule. If an attorney requests a patient's medical records, the healthcare provider can still charge the usual fees.
• If enacted, the new rules would take effect 180 days after the law is signed, and HHS must issue regulations within six months to implement the changes.