Release of Records and Personal Health Information
To You
Submit a written or electronic request to the privacy officer at your local military treatment facility (MTF). In some cases, you may be asked to submit a form. You may be asked to give identifying information like your date of birth, Social Security number or photo identification.
To a Spouse, Family Member or Other Third Party at Your Request
If you would like someone else (spouse, family member or an attorney), to have a copy or access to your medical records, you must fill out and submit an Authorization to Disclose Information form (also called Authorization to Release Information).
Generally, parents may have access to their child's (under age 18) medical records when laws allow parents or guardians to make treatment decisions for their child. The only exceptions (when a parent is not a "personal representative" with respect to health information about a child) are:
(a) when state law or other law does not require consent of a parent before the minor can obtain a health care service
(b) when a court appoints someone other than the parent to make treatment decisions
(c) when the parent agrees that the minor and the provider may have a confidential relationship.
If your child is over 18, he or she will need to fill out an Authorization to Disclose Information form for parents, guardians or someone else to have access to his or her medical records.
To Another Physician
Your MTF or military provider will share your medical records and protected health information (PHI) with other physicians who provide health services to you. For example, if your MTF provider refers you to a specialist outside of the MTF, he or she will forward your medical records to the specialist before your appointment. Pharmacists may be provided information on other drugs you have been prescribed to identify potential interactions.
You can learn more about these types of disclosures by reading the Military Health System (MHS) Notice of Privacy Practices or by contacting your MTF privacy officer.
To Other Third Parties
Your MTF or military provider is allowed, and sometimes required, to share your PHI with other third parties as outlined in the MHS Notice of Privacy Practices. For example, your provider may disclose your PHI for law enforcement purposes or to public health authorities who are permitted by law to collect and receive such information. Read the MHS Notice of Privacy Practices for details.
Requesting Archived Medical Records
MTFs normally send your medical record to a central depository two years after your last visit. You or your local military facility can legally request copies of these records.
To get copies of archived records, send a request, with your full name and Social Security number, your sponsor's full name and Social Security number and the place and date of your last treatment to the National Archives.
|
Veterans and Next-of-kin of a Deceased Veteran |
Download the Standard Form (SF) 180 and follow the instructions to submit your request or submit your request online. |
| Active Duty Family Members, Retirees, Retiree Family Members, Former Active Duty Family Members | Download the National Archives (NA) Form 13042 and follow the instructions to submit your request. |
For more information, visit the National Archives Web site.
Privacy Act of 1974
According to this act, providers cannot provide information to the parents or guardians of minors or incompetents when the services are related to AIDS, alcoholism, abortion, drug abuse or venereal disease.
Before you deploy on active duty ...
Fill out an Authorization to Release Information form if you would like your spouse to have access to your medical records while you are deployed.
Last Modified:September 19, 2012
Print