Is she entitled to see medical reports?

Question

My sister is 19 and profundly handicapped,she is currently in resendenital care but we gave daily contact.She has been diagonesed with ostisprosis.My question is can my mother see her medical report..My sisters doctor has said she would send them to my mothers G.P but he is not my sisters G.P. We are living in Ireland.

She is mentally and physicaly disabled condition called Rhetts Syndrome.
She is unable to speak and can make no decisions of her own.

Answer 1

Yes you can! but some doctors charge a small fee. Not sure how much though, as your mother is her next of kin she has the right. (this is in the UK though)

Answer 2

The patient (not necessarily a relative) is entitled by law (The Data Prorection Act) to a copy of their own medical records on payment of a fee IN BRITAIN ONLY I dont know about the Irish Repulic. (often doctors also charge for photocopying). If a relative were responsible on behalf of the patient as "next friend" in the case of a mental health patient or guardian ad litem I think an application would be deemed to come from the patient. The definitive answer can as to your rights can be obtained from The Information Commisioners Office tel; + 44 (0) 16255 457 45 water lane, wimslow chershire sk9 5af. Sometimes they put all sorts of obstacles in your way but if you constantly phone them and use their complaints proceedure and complain to the Information Commissioner (be a pain in their side) you will get the info eventually. The 2000 Act (specifically for medical records) has been repealed and amalgamated with the Data Protection Act (Section 7 I think) Good Luck

Answer 3

Honestly, I cannot speak for Ireland. In America, anyone 18 or over has complete control over who sees their confidential information. A Release of Information must be signed by a patient in order for anyone to see their medical records---unless another individual has Power of Attorney for that patient, then the POA may make those decisions on the patient's behalf. If any of the physicians involved in what you are discussing are in America, they must follow these laws.

On another note, osteoporosis is not a super-sensitive-type of medical condition. Pretty straightforward stuff, really. Your mother wont be viewing any information which could be considered shocking.

If your sister is in residential care, I would venture to guess that some sort of paperwork is in place for either your mom or someone to be closely involved in her care. The residential care center most likely has something on file along those lines; they need to keep abreast of her health concerns, etc. Check with them.

Answer 4

Yes you are entitled, but you may want to ask the doctor to explain things over the phone, so it is more understandable. Doctors offices can send records, but sometimes they charge a fee for making copies. Not always.

Answer 5

yes u can Ive just got a copy of mine it costs ten pounds if they are held on computer if there are any that were written then its 33p a copy write a letter to your doctor telling them u want copies also state from what year to what year put in wrighting why yoUr mum wants copIEs of ur sisters ie your sister is handicapped or write to the medical records officer at your local health authority

Answer 6

usually there is doctor/ patient confidentiality. since your sister is handicapped, the charts should go to your mother's dr. if there is anything he feels she should know, he will tell her. here in the states, most of the 50 states have the "sunshine" act. where patients have full rights to read and review their own medical charts, but no other family member can

Answer 7

If she is her legal guardian I would say yes. She needs to ask them straight for a copy of all her medical records. If they refuse, it can be helpful to ask an attorney to write up a letter requesting them. They will usually do for free or very little money and it will scare home into releasing her records to your mother.

Answer 8

Humm...Somthings doesnt seem right with that.One one level it does with her being handicapped,but the other it sounds like it should be as anyone over 18's medical records.If you cannont make her own medical decisions then im sure its okay.But if she can this is a no-no.

Answer 9

Whoever is the legal guardian of your sister can see her chart or paperwork.

Osteoporosis is a condition that features loss of the normal density of bone and fragile bone. Normal bone is composed of protein, collagen, and calcium. Bones that are affected by osteoporosis can fracture with only a minor fall or injury that normally would not cause a bone fracture.