A Privacy Rule Authorization is an individual's signed permission to allow a covered entity to use or disclose the individual's protected health information (PHI) that is described in the Authorization for the purpose(s) and to the recipient(s) stated in the Authorization.
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.
To request a copy of a medical record from a physician, call or write to the physician holding the record. If the physician does not respond to this request within a timely manner, you can file a complaint with the NYS Department of Health, Office of Professional Medical Conduct for Physicians.
Content for a valid authorization includes: The name of the person or entity authorized to make the request (usually the patient) The complete name of the person or entity to receive the protected health information (PHI) A specific description of the information to be used or disclosed, including the dates of service.
A Privacy Rule Authorization is an individual's signed permission to allow a covered entity to use or disclose the individual's protected health information (PHI) that is described in the Authorization for the purpose(s) and to the recipient(s) stated in the Authorization.
By setting up a Release Authorization (ARI), you are giving customer service your permission to disclose information about your accounts to another person. Typically, this is used to give account access to a spouse or other family member.
Consent refers to the patient's giving permission for electronic medical records to be released to third parties involved in treatment, utilization review, insurance payment, quality assurance, and continuity of care. Authorization is required for all other uses to which a patient's medical records may be put.
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.
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.
The NYS Department of Health, however, requires medical doctors to retain records for any adult patients for 6 years. Minor patients are kept for 6 years and until one year after the minor reaches the age of 18 (whichever is longer). For hospitals, medical records must be kept for six years from the date of discharge.