ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session

Majority Research Staff

HB 2857: technical correction; national guard

S/E: inmate medical records; electronic storage

Sponsor: Representative Blackman, LD 7

Committee on Government

Summary of Strike-Everything Amendment to HB 2857

Overview

Allows the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) to store inmate medical records electronically and enables DOC to get rid of the old physical records.

History

The medical records held by DOC upon request are available to the Director of DOC, Assistant Directors, Wardens and Deputy Wardens of DOC (Administrators). Administrators also have access to records that would have an impact on the administration of the prison or the welfare of the inmate population. Administrators must keep the medical history confidential, except for using the information to produce procedures and guidelines for care, transportation and housing for inmates whose records indicate the need for special consideration (A.R.S. § 41-1606 ).

A prisoner is allowed to authorize in writing the release of their medical records to a designated individual. The authorization form must meet the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's privacy standards. DOC is obligated to release the medical records within 15 days of receiving the authorization form. DOC cannot charge a fee to produce or copy electronic medical records (A.R.S. § 31-224.01).

Provisions

1. Allows DOC to store an inmate's medical records electronically. (Sec. 1)

2. Describes that notwithstanding other laws, DOC does not need to keep and can dispose of any physical copies of the medical records. (Sec. 1)

3. Defines Medical Records to include any medical records retained by the DOC or a medical professional that relate to medical treatment provided to the inmate while in a DOC facility. (Sec. 1)

6. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

7. Initials ML HB 2857

8. 2/15/2026 Page 0 Government

10. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------