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The state Department of Corrections may store inmates' medical records electronically, and if it does, it does not have to keep paper copies and may dispose of them, notwithstanding any other law.
Official title: inmate medical records; electronic storage
- September 12, 2026
What changes
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NowThe Department of Corrections may store an inmate's medical records electronically.
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NowIf the department stores an inmate's medical records electronically, it is not required to keep, and may dispose of, physical copies of those records, notwithstanding any other law.
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Now"Medical records" here includes any medical records kept by the department or a medical professional that relate to medical treatment given to the inmate while in a department facility.
Who it affects
- People incarcerated in Arizona Department of Corrections facilities
- Medical professionals who provide or keep records of care in department facilities
- Arizona Department of Corrections
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- How inmates or former inmates can get copies of their electronic medical records
- How long electronic records must be kept
- What security or privacy protections apply to the electronic records
- How or when physical copies would be disposed of
- Whether records from before the law takes effect will be converted to electronic form
- Which other laws previously required paper copies to be kept
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.