TN HB0495Tennessee HB0495 updates the rules regarding the fees that can be charged for accessing a patient's medical records, whether in paper or electronic form. This change applies to both healthcare providers and any third-party companies that handle the release of medical information. The aim is to clarify and potentially lower the costs associated with obtaining these records.
Supporters of HB0495 would argue that this bill makes it easier and more affordable for patients to access their own medical records, promoting transparency in healthcare. By establishing clear fee limits, it ensures that patients are not overcharged for important information regarding their health.
Critics of HB0495 might contend that the changes could undermine the financial viability of healthcare providers and third-party record services, potentially leading to reduced services. They may also express concerns that lower fees could lead to longer wait times for patients seeking their records, as providers adjust to the new regulations.
Representative Charlie Baum, the sponsor of HB0495, is a Professor of Economics at Middle Tennessee State University. His professional background and financial interests are in the field of education, which does not directly intersect with the healthcare industry or the specific subject matter of the bill concerning medical records and associated fees. The bill addresses the costs and processes related to accessing medical records, which primarily impacts healthcare providers, patients, and potentially insurance companies. Given that Baum's financial interests are solely within the educational sector, there is no direct or indirect financial benefit to him from the enactment of this bill. Therefore, the risk of a conflict of interest is minimal.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Professor of Economics | Education | AI-researched |
| Employer | Middle Tennessee State University | Education | AI-researched |
| Employer | MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY | Education | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | TEABERRY APARTMENTS | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | WHITE AVENUE APARTMENTS | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | HIGHLAND AVENUE APARTMENTS | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | CONDOMINIUM | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | BAUM ECONOMICS LLC | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | DIVIDENDS FROM STOCKS IN TD AMERITRADE ACCOUNT | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | DIVIDENDS FROM STOCKS IN ROTH IRA ACCOUNTS | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | DIVIDENDS FROM MUTUAL FUNDS IN 401K RETIREMENT ACCOUNT THROUGH MTSU MANAGED BY GREAT WEST | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Employer | DIVIDENDS FROM DEFINED CONTRIBUTION RETIREMENT ACCOUNT THROUGH MTSU MANAGED BY VOYA | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR OF ECONOMICS from Aug 1999 to current | Education | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | HIGHLAND AVENUE APARTMENTS LLC MEMBER from Jan 2016 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | WHITE AVENUE APARTMENTS LLC MEMBER from Jan 2016 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Business Owner | BAUM ECONOMICS LLC MEMBER from Jan 2016 to current | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | APARTMENTS AT 806 AND 810 TEABERRY LANE IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | CONDOS AT 7015 AND 7017 TRADITIONAL DR. IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | APARTMENTS AT 1303 WHITE AVE. IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE | — | TN Ethics Commission |
| Asset | APARTMENTS AT 1412 HIGHLAND AVE. IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
