New York State Law requires all health care practitioners and facilities to allow patients to have access to their health records. However, some restrictions may apply. This form describes your rights, what information is available and how to appeal if access to health records is denied.
Once your request is received, a physician or health care facility has 10 days to provide you with an opportunity to inspect your records. The law does not provide a specific time period by which copies of medical records must be provided.
To request a copy of a medical record from a hospital, call or write to the hospital holding the record. You must speak to the Medical Records Department and request a release of medical information authorization form from the hospital.
Check their website: Information about how to get your health record may be found under the Contact Us section of a provider's website. It may direct you to an online portal, a phone number, an email address, or a form. Phone or visit: You can also call or visit your provider and ask them how to get your health record.
Ways to protect patient privacy State your name and credentials to start. Confirm the patient's identity at the beginning of each appointment. Ensure that you and your patient are each in a private area where you can speak openly. Use headphones so others do not overhear confidential information.
Requests for Client Records If you are submitting a request for Medicaid records specifically, please fill out and submit the OCA-960 Authorization for Release of Health Information Pursuant to HIPAA or other HIPAA-compliant form. Requests and forms should be submitted via email to HIPAA@dss.nyc.
If you wish to obtain a copy of your health record, you must submit a written request to Health Information Management Services. You may use the request form Authorization for Release of Health Information (PDF 676 KB) for a printable copy. All information must be completed in order for your request to be processed.
For example, Section 17 of the Public Health Law prohibits the release of records to parents or guardians concerning the treatment of a minor for sexually transmitted disease or for performance of an abortion.
§ 17. Judge prohibited from practicing in cause which has been before him. A judge or surrogate or former judge or surrogate shall not act as attorney or counsellor in any action, claim, matter, motion or proceeding, which has been before him in his official character.