New Hampshire Medical Record Fees: The 2026 Statutory Guide
In New Hampshire, the rights of patients and the responsibilities of healthcare providers regarding medical records are outlined in RSA 332-I:1. The law ensures that medical information is the property of the patient and establishes strict caps on what can be charged for copies.
1. Statutory Fee Schedule (2026)
New Hampshire recently updated its fee structure to better reflect the shift toward electronic records. These caps apply to all healthcare providers in the state.
| Service Type | Paper Format Fee | Electronic Format Fee |
|---|---|---|
| First Page | $5.00 | Included in Flat Fee |
| Pages 2–50 | $0.41 per page | $0.00 (Per-page prohibited) |
| Pages 51+ | $0.30 per page | $0.00 (Per-page prohibited) |
| Total Record Cap | No Cap (Per-page applies) | $50.00 Maximum |
| Search/Retrieval | Included in per-page rates | Included in Flat Fee |
The “$50.00 Electronic Guarantee”
Under RSA 332-I:1(b), the cost for electronic copies of a patient’s medical records, including all related services (searching, handling, and delivery), cannot exceed a flat rate of $50.00.
The “Whichever is Greater” (Legacy Standard)
For small paper requests, providers may still reference the legacy standard of $15.00 for the first 30 pages or $0.50 per page, whichever is greater. However, for any record delivered electronically in 2026, the $50.00 all-inclusive cap is the legal ceiling.
2. The 30-Day “Free Delivery” Rule
New Hampshire has one of the most unique compliance penalties in the nation. Under RSA 332-I:1(d):
- Providers must provide records within 30 days of receiving a request.
- If the records are not provided within those 30 days, the provider must provide them at no cost to the requester.
- Exception: The only exception is an independent “force majeure” event that renders the records inaccessible.
3. Mandatory Free Records (Provider to Provider)
When the requester of medical records is another healthcare provider (for the purpose of continuing care), the transfer must be made within 14 days and must be provided at no cost.
4. X-Rays and Imaging
Filmed records, such as radiograms, x-rays, and sonograms, are not subject to the per-page rates. These must be provided at a reasonable cost for reproduction.
Audit Tip for New Hampshire Paralegals
The 30-day rule is your best friend in New Hampshire.
- Timestamp Everything: If you receive a bill for $50.00 (or more) for records that arrived 35 days after your written request, reject the invoice.
- The Audit: Cite RSA 332-I:1(d). Since the provider failed to meet the 30-day statutory deadline, they have forfeited their right to charge any fee for those records.
Audit Your Invoice
If you believe a New Hampshire provider is overcharging for electronic records or attempting to bill for records delivered after the 30-day window, our auditor can automatically flag these violations.
Not sure if your invoice is accurate? Use our Medical Record Fee Calculator to audit your charges against these New Hampshire statutes.
Please understand that the materials on this web page are for general information purposes only, and is not intended as legal advice.