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The law that provides access to government records with exceptions for records with medical info is the Freedom of Information Act.
The person authorizing the release of medical records gets to determine the length of time an particular individual or entity has access to the medical records. They can also specify that they can only access certain aspects of the medical record, ie: a certain ER visit, or a certain surgery.For more information visit: www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa/
The law that provides access to government records with exceptions for records with medical info is the Freedom of Information Act.
B. say noresearchers are not allowed access to the patients medical records unless the patient signs a written consent release particular records to them
If your hospital has your records in a database, you can access them by the help of your password.
The Privacy Rule controls the access a patient has to her own medical records.
Not legally.
Medical records are typically destroyed within 7-10 years, so it's unlikely that you could get your mother's medical records from 1997.
If the patient's medical records are germaine and vital to the case and can supply needed evidence, the patient cannot refuse to release them - but a court order would be necessary to gain access to them
HIPAA allows patient access to their own medical record, with very few exceptions. Failure to pay the bill is NOT one of those exceptions.Added: HIPAA restricts and prevents the dissemination of your medical records without your knowledge and approval. There is no provision within it which allows a medical provider to hold your records "hostage" until you pay their bill.
Speaking to your mother's doctor is done the same way as speaking to any other doctor; you make an appointment. If it is necessary to access your mother's medical records, her doctor has access to them and can access them for you. Of course, you will have to have a legitimate reason to have access to her records. I don't know what your reason is. If you are planning a malpractice suit against your mother's doctor, then the courts can subpoena the records.
Contact the place where the person's medical records are kept (doctor's office or hospital). There are procedures to follow, forms to fill out and such, in order for you to access yours or someone else's medical records.