Patient or client records.
Upon written request from a patient or client, or person authorized to have access to the patient’s record under a health care power of attorney for the patient or client, the health care provider having custody and control of the patient’s or client’s record shall furnish, within a reasonable period of time, a complete and current copy of that record. If the patient or client is deceased, the request may be made by: A person authorized immediately prior to the decedent’s death to have access to the patient’s or client’s record under a health care power of attorney for the patient; The executor for the decedent’s estate; The temporary executor for the decedent’s estate; The administrator for the decedent’s estate; The temporary administrator for the decedent’s estate; or Any survivor of the decedent. A health care provider may require the patient or client, or person authorized to have access to the patient’s or client’s record, to pay a reasonable fee for copying, as determined by the board through rulemaking. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “record” includes a copy of a bill that has been requested by an individual but excludes x-rays. Medical or client records shall be maintained for a minimum period of 3 years from the date of last contact for an adult and a minimum period of 3 years after a minor reaches the age of majority.
Annotations
Mar. 25, 1986, D.C. Law 6-99, § 1011 as added July 18, 2009, D.C. Law 18-26, § 2(k), 56 DCR 4043 For temporary (90 day) addition, see § 2(k) of Health Occupations Revision General Amendment Emergency Act of 2009 (D.C. Act 18-146, July 28, 2009, 56 DCR 6308). Durable power of attorney for health care, see § 21-2205.
Sourced from the DC Council Open Law Library (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.