Unless specified otherwise by the department, a hospital shall retain and preserve all medical records which relate directly to the care and treatment of a patient for a period of no less than ten years following the most recent discharge of the patient; except the records of minors, which shall be retained and ...
At age 18, privacy laws make all information confidential between an individual and their health care providers. A parent or legal guardian can't access health information for their dependents who are 18 and older, except in very limited circumstances.
Washington State Record Retention Laws Within this five-year period, all records must be maintained safely, with properly limited access. Psychologists (Ph. D.): WAC 246-924-354 (2): All records must be retained for at least eight years following the last professional contact with the client(s).
Under federal and state law you have a right to review your medical records, and you have a right to obtain a copy of your medical records (with certain exceptions) as long as they are maintained by the healthcare entity in which you received your services.
For legal professionals and healthcare providers, understanding the primary purpose of a Release of Information (ROI) form is vital for managing sensitive data responsibly.
The new mental health law in Washington State expands criteria for involuntary commitment and extends the initial detention period for evaluation and treatment from 72 hours to 120 hours.
WA DOC Authorization for Disclosure of Health Information form DOC 13-035 (ROI, Release of Information) for prisoners (families must have this form on file with WA DOC to obtain any sort of medical information about their loved one, and it is the incarcerated person's decision to grant ROI to loved ones).
Citizens can control their government only if they remain informed about the decisions their government officials are making. That important principle underlies Washington's open public records and meeting laws. "The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty."
Our Values Cultivate an environment of integrity and trust: Corrections values partnership and trust. Respectful and inclusive interactions: Corrections appreciates and values individuals by promoting an inclusive and diverse environment, which encourages safety.
The PRA requires state and local government agencies adopt an agency-specific PRA policy; that policy must facilitate public access to public records, while at same time “prevent interference with other essential functions of the agency” (RCW 42.56. 100 and 42.56. 040).