Request for Medical Record

Asking and getting medical Record is Right of a Patient 

This post is based on the frequently asked questions by the patients when admitted in the hospital

Steps for asking/requesting the medical record of a patient admitted in the hospital

 

Write a written request (which should be properly drafted) to the treating doctor under rule 1.3  of:

Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct,

Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.

 Rule 1.3 Maintenance of medical records:

1.3.1 Every physician shall maintain the medical records pertaining to his / her indoor patients for a period of 3 years from the date of commencement of the treatment in a standard proforma laid down by the Medical Council of India and attached as Appendix 3.

1.3.2. If any request is made for medical records either by the patients / authorised attendant or legal authorities involved, the same may be duly acknowledged and documents shall be issued within the period of 72 hours.

If Not Delivered within 72 hours

Rule 7. MISCONDUCT: The following acts of commission or omission on the part of a physician shall constitute professional misconduct rendering him/her liable for disciplinary action -

Rule 7.1 Violation of the Regulations: If he/she commits any violation of these Regulations.

Rule 7.2 If he/she does not maintain the medical records of his/her indoor patients for a period of three years as per regulation 1.3 and refuses to provide the same within 72 hours when the patient or his/her authorised representative makes a request for it as per the regulation 1.3.2.

Rule 7.3 If he/she does not display the registration number accorded to him/her by the State Medical Council or the Medical Council of India in his clinic, prescriptions and certificates etc. issued by him or violates the provisions of regulation 1.4.2