{"id":375681,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-medical-records-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:50:54","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:50:54","slug":"ohio-medical-records-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-medical-records-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Medical Records Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Medical Records Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\n

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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Overview of Ohio Medical Records Law<\/h2>\n

The privacy and integrity of patients’ medical records are protected by both federal and state laws. One of the most important federal protections is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. In Ohio, medical records laws<\/a> allow employees to request medical records from their employer or health care professional. Also, state law requires mandatory reporting of contagious or infectious diseases.<\/p>\n

Sharing Medical Records and Providing Authorization<\/h2>\n

But while Ohio strictly protects the confidentiality of patients’ medical records, it is sometimes necessary to share these records with third parties. For instance, you may be making a workers’ compensation claim for an on-the-job injury. Your employer does not have enfettered access to your medical records, but will need to verify the validity of your injury claim.<\/p>\n

If your healthcare provider releases medical records without proper authorization, they may be held liable for a confidentiality breach. In order to share these records with third parties, the patient must sign a written request indicating exactly where the copy may be sent.<\/p>\n

Confidentiality and the Doctor-Patient Privilege<\/h2>\n

In addition, physicians may not testify in court regarding any communications protected by the physician-patient privilege. The patient may waive this privilege, however, while disclosure of certain communications may be required in some circumstances.<\/p>\n

The basics of Ohio medical records laws are highlighted in the following chart. See FindLaw’s Patient Rights<\/a> section for related content.<\/p>\n\n
Who Has Access to Records?<\/td>\nEmployee or designated representative may request records from employer, physician, health care professional, hospital, or lab when they are contracted by employer (\u00a74113.23)<\/td>\n<\/tr>
What Privileges Apply to Medical Records?<\/td>\nDoctor-patient (\u00a72317-02(B))<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Reporting Requirements<\/td>\nChild abuse (\u00a72151.421); occupational diseases (3701.25); cases of cancer for cancer registry (\u00a73701.262); contagious or infectious diseases (including AIDS) (\u00a73701.24)<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Patient Consent and Waiver<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Insurance Companies<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Provisions Related to HIV\/AIDS<\/td>\nDisclosure of HIV or AIDS-related information subject to \u00a73701.243<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/i><\/b> State laws are constantly changing — contact an Ohio health care attorney<\/a> or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Research the Law<\/h2>\n