Re: do I have a right to see my chart?

Alton (A.Ryder(AT)ix.netcom.com)
Fri, 12 Feb 1999 07:29:02 -0500

I think this right varies from state to state.
In New Hampshire we have a law strongly supporting
the patient. ALL records are the PROPERTY of the
PATIENT. They cannot refuse to supply the patient
a copy of his records upon request. I believe the
same is true in New York. I tried a search in the
Florida State University law library, but something
is wrong with my technique --- I couldn't even find
hits on certain items.

Your hospital will have someone responsible for
"risk management" --- i.e. keeping the hospital out
of trouble. Ask the nurse if there is one, then ask
to speak to that person. Don't say why. You will
almost certainly get their attention. Ask that person
the direct question: "Do I have the right to see my
records?" You will be asked, "Why would you want to
do that?" Tell them to answer your question. They
might try forever to deflect your pursuit, but it
is very unlikely they will be willing to lie.

Another approach: call the office of the Governor
and ask to speak to the ombudsman. Ask that person
if there is such a law in Florida. This is how I
learned about the law here.

Another approach: go to www.state.FL.us and search
from there. The FSU law library is at
http://www.law.fsu.edu/search.html

Good luck,

Alton, who found his records facinating reading