Your Own Medical Records
MCL 333.26265 — a request dated within 60 days, and an answer within 30
In Michigan, a patient or their authorized representative has the right to examine or obtain the patient's medical record, except as other law provides. The request is in writing, signed and dated not more than 60 days before it is submitted to the provider or facility that keeps the record.
| The question | What the section says |
|---|---|
| The questionBy when | What the section saysAs promptly as required, and not later than 30 days after receipt, or 60 days if the record is not kept or accessible on site |
| The questionWhat happens | What the section saysThe record is made available for inspection or copying during regular business hours, or a copy is provided |
| The questionIf a records company keeps it | What the section saysThe provider passes on the request and makes sure it is answered |
| The questionIf it does not exist | What the section saysThe patient is told, and told who keeps it if known |
| The questionIf disclosure would likely harm the patient | What the section saysA clear statement why, and the record goes to a provider or lawyer the patient designates |
The provider takes reasonable steps to verify the identity of the person asking. A provider that cannot meet the deadline may extend it, once per request and by no more than 30 days, by giving the patient a written statement of the reasons within the time. The fees a provider may charge are set in another section of the act and are not reproduced here. Whether a refusal was proper is a question for a court and for a licensed Michigan attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- MCL 333.26265 — Request to examine or obtain copy of medical record
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.