Posted by TofuEmmy on October 28, 2004, at 11:49:46
In reply to medical records, posted by toomuchpain on October 27, 2004, at 7:10:09
TMP - I've followed your story thru your posts. The HIPPA rules do have an exception that states that the agency can withhold the records if they feel the patient may be harmed by viewing them. In your case, since you had a serious suicide attempt directly as a result of the actions of your former therapist...that's probably good grounds for keeping you from accessing your records. Honestly, if I ran the agency, I'd review the records with a fine tooth comb and if I saw anything that might hurt you, I'd use everything in my power to keep them away from you. Sorry!
Now you can hire an attorney to fight this (thru legal aid, NAMI, etc.) but it ain't easy.
However, if you are pursuing legal action against your former therapist (which I pray you are!) the records can be released to your lawyer (who would probably be liable for any damage to you if you then view the records).
Also, different T's keep different sorta of records. I have seen mine, and they were boring as can be. Just my words in his handwriting. Big yawn. Not an interesting notation in sight. Not even a decent doodle! He's a smartie, he is! <grumble...grumble...>
So, that my 2 cents on the issue. I wish you well in your pursuit of justice. I wish you strength in this effort!
emmy
poster:TofuEmmy
thread:407807
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20041026/msgs/408377.html