Unique Circumstances
Here is information about accessing medical records under unique circumstances.
If the patient is deceased, please contact the Medical Correspondence Unit at the appropriate center for information on how to request a copy of the individual's medical records. Please note a copy of the death certificate will be required to verify that patient is deceased when he or she did not expire in our facility as well as to establish the next of kin.
If the patient is incapacitated, unable to sign for him or herself and there is a personal representative who is legally responsible then that individual will sign on behalf of the patient.
If the patient is a minor under twelve (12), we will request that the parent or legal guardian sign the authorization form.
If the patient is a minor over twelve (12) and under eighteen (18) who must sign:
- The parents or legally appointed guardian unless the medical record contains sensitive information.
- If the patient is an emancipated minor (married or self-supporting and living apart from the parents residence) he/she may sign
- For non-behavioral health Patient Access requests both a parent or legally appointed guardian and minor must sign
- For behavioral health requests including Patient Access the minor must sign