Your Own Medical Records

In Washington, on a patient's written request to examine or copy their recorded health care information, a provider acts as promptly as the circumstances require, and no later than fifteen working days after receiving the request.

• §RCW 70.02.080

• Makes the information available for examination during regular business hours, and provides a copy if asked.
• Says if the information does not exist or cannot be found.
• Names the provider that keeps the record, if it does not keep it and knows who does.
• If the information is in use or unusual circumstances delay it, gives written reasons and the earliest date, not later than twenty-one working days after the request.
• Or denies the request, in whole or part, on the grounds the chapter allows, and says so.

• §RCW 70.02.080

On request, the provider explains any code or abbreviation in the information. It is not required to create a new record or put an existing one into a different form. It may charge a reasonable fee and need not permit examination or copying until the fee is paid, except where the chapter provides otherwise.

• §RCW 70.02.080

The grounds on which a provider may deny access, and the procedure for asking it to correct or amend a record, are in other sections of the chapter and are not reproduced here. Whether a refusal was proper is a question for a court and for a licensed Washington attorney.

• §RCW 70.02.080