Chambana Sun

In a Jan. 31 news release, Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) announced a bill that focused on ensuring that patients have access to their updated medical records.

“After some research, I found that some healthcare providers are putting limitations in their medical record system to filter out alterations so that the patient never knows, and sometimes this is done by those that are not practicing medicine," Caulkins said. "The Cures Act did not address healthcare facilities altering records and failing to notify patients of those alterations. This bill aims to protect Illinois residents from this bad practice and improve patient access to their own medical records.”

The bill states health care facilities or practitioners must notify the patient in writing when the health care facility or health care practitioner alters the patient's record within 3 business days of the alteration

In a Youtube video of the statement, Caulkins explained the bill.

 “This bill is about patient records. It's about the patient. It's about the ability to know what's in your record in real and accurate time," Caulkins said. "It's also about knowing if there's been any change to your record that you weren't aware of at the time that you were discharged, or since the last time you looked at your record." 

Caulkins stressed the point of the bill is to keep the patient informed.

"I want to emphasize this is a patient-centered effort," Caulkins said. "We are hoping what we want to do is make sure that the patient is notified in a timely manner anytime their medical records are changed in a substantial way.”

The bill noted additional fees for requesting medical records.

Caulkins introduced House Bill 1137 on Jan. 12, and it has been referred to the rules committee. The bill focuses on: Making sure patients get accurate records; notifying patients if their records have been altered after a medical visit or procedure and why the alteration was made; gives more tools to punish those who cover up mistakes with medical record changes; and it requires that audit trails and logs show who accessed and altered records are released to the patient when requested.

The 21st Century Cures Act that Caulkins refers to was passed by the U.S. Congress in December 2016. It covers a wide range of issues in medical care. In particular, the bill "provides funding for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) activities required by this bill. The FDA must submit a work plan to Congress that describes and justifies the activities. (Sec. 1003) This bill provides funding for Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to states to address the opioid abuse crisis."

Caulkins was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. His legislative experience includes serving on the Public Utilities, and Prescription Drug Affordability committees. Caulkins resides in Decatur.