Prohibits the disclosure of a pathology report or radiology report that has a reasonable likelihood of showing a finding of malignancy to patients on their electronic health record for seventy-two hours or unless the treating practitioner contacts the patient before the end of the seventy-two hour period.
S10513 would amend the New York Public Health Law to delay patient access, through an electronic health record, to certain pathology and radiology reports that have a reasonable likelihood of indicating malignancy. Under the bill, those reports could not be disclosed to the patient for 72 hours after the report is finalized, unless the treating practitioner contacts the patient about the results before that period ends.
The bill is aimed at giving clinicians a short window to review potentially serious cancer-related findings and communicate directly with patients before they see the report in their electronic record. It applies specifically to pathology and radiology reports with a reasonable likelihood of showing malignancy and does not otherwise change the underlying medical record, only the timing of disclosure to the patient through the EHR.
The bill would add a new section 18-d to the Public Health Law and create a limited exception to otherwise applicable disclosure rules for electronic health records. It would affect hospitals, laboratories, radiology providers, treating practitioners, and patients by delaying automatic EHR release of certain diagnostic reports for 72 hours, unless the treating practitioner reaches out first. The measure would take effect 90 days after becoming law and would not alter the content of the reports themselves, only when patients can access them electronically.
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the overall sentiment appears to be precautionary and clinician-centered, with the stated purpose of preventing patients from receiving alarming cancer-related results without first hearing from a practitioner. The proposal suggests concern about the emotional impact and communication challenges associated with immediate electronic release of sensitive diagnostic information. No formal opposition or support is documented in the provided materials.
The main point of contention is the balance between timely patient access to medical information and the desire to allow clinicians time to interpret and communicate potentially serious findings. Supporters would likely emphasize reducing patient distress and ensuring proper explanation of possible malignancy results, while critics may argue that the delay limits transparency, patient autonomy, and prompt access to health information. Because no transcripts or votes are provided, no specific lawmakers, organizations, or stakeholder groups are identified as taking positions.