Allowable charges for copies of medical records
Chapter 70.02 RCW sets regulations regarding health care information access and disclosure. RCW 70.02.010(37) defines the “reasonable fee” that may be charged for duplicating or searching the record. It requires the Secretary of Health to adjust the amounts biennially in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index. WAC 246-08-400 sets the reasonable fees.
The biennial adjustment to WAC 246-08-400 has recently been adopted. The amended rule (PDF) takes effect September 7, 2017.
Guidance for HIPAA-covered entities
HIPAA-covered entities as defined in 45 C.F.R. Sec. 103 may not charge fees or costs that are not authorized by, or are prohibited by, federal HIPAA regulation 45 C.F.R. Sec. 164. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides guidance on what charges are allowed under HIPAA regulations. For guidance, please see: