Relates to establishing a universal child health passport

1 Co-sponsor

• Mark Grisanti

BILL NUMBER:S4110

Title of bill

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to creating a universal child health passport

Purpose or general idea of bill

To allow easy transfer of basic patient information of children with mental health diagnoses, so facilitate and effective appropriate care without wasted time waiting for consent forms and other approvals.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: The commissioner is authorized and directed to create and implement a universal child health passport, which shall allow mental health patients to universally consent to the transfer or release of pertinent records. To be effective, the passport shall be signed by the parent or legal guardian of the child who is the recipient of such passport. Such a passport will have a one year expiration date from the date the passport is issued and shall require annual renewal.

Section 2: Defines pertinent records.

Section 3: Defines groups eligible to receive or share pertinent records and/or information.

Section 4: The parent or guardian of a universal health passport shall have the right to eliminate any part of the holder's medical history from the information to be transferred or released.

Justification

Treatment providers need access to pertinent records in order to prescribe the more effective care from children with mental/behavioral health issues. HIPAA regulations as well as agency policies and process often prevent records being shared among agencies treating the child. This negatively impacts the cost and quality of care.

Prior legislative history

2010: Referred to health

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This bill shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall become law.