This chart highlights the state laws related to accessing medical records, including potential charges to access records, how long a provider needs to keep your records, and more. Check back often, as this chart is updated frequently.
If you don't find what you're looking for, see our Quick Guide to Accessing Medical Records.
| State | Access to medical records statute | Medical Records Additional laws? | Does the state require a provider to keep/retain a copy of the medical records file for a certain period of time? | Does the state limit what a provider can charge a patient for a copy of their medical records? | Does the state lay out a specific time period the provider has to provide the medical records to the patient? | How does the patient have to make the request for the copy of the medical records? | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALABAMA | x | https://www.albme.gov/resources/licensees/medical-records/ | Records must be retained for at least seven years from the physician’s (and/or other providers within the practice) last professional contact with the patient. Medical records of minors shall be retained for a period of not less than two (2) years after the minor reaches the age of majority or seven (7) years from the date of the physician’s (and/or other providers within his or her practice) last professional contact with the patient, whichever is longer. | Doctors and hospitals are allowed to charge patients no more than $1 per page for the first 25 pages and $0.50 per page for pages 26+. | https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-12/chapter-21/article-1/division-1/division-1/section-12-21-6-1/ | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, a provider may require that a patient request the records in writing, if they inform the patient of this requirement. The provider may also allow the patient to request the records electronically. A provider may require a patient to use the provider's own supplied form, as long as use of the form doesn't create a barrier to, or unreasonably delay, access to the records. | ||
| ALASKA | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/alaska/title-18/chapter-20/article-1/section-18-20-085/ | Hospitals must keep patients’ records for 7 years after patients are discharged. Hospitals must keep records of patients under 19 either until the patient is 21 or 7 years after discharge, whichever is longer. X-rays must be kept for 5 years. | No, but the federal HIPAA privacy rule stipulates that providers can charge reasonable, cost-based fees (including the cost of supplies, labor, and postage). | https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/medical-records/index.html#:~:text=Charges,for%20or%20retrieving%20your%20records. | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, a provider may require that a patient request the records in writing, if they inform the patient of this requirement. The provider may also allow the patient to request the records electronically. A provider may require a patient to use the provider's own supplied form, as long as use of the form doesn't create a barrier to, or unreasonably delay, access to the records. | ||
| ARIZONA | x | https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/02297.htm | x | https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/02293.htm | Adults’ medical records must be retained by health care providers for 6 years, while children’s’ medical records must be retained until they reach the age of 21 or for 6 years, whichever is longer. | If the medical record must be obtained for a patient to receive care, the provider may not charge patients for the records. If the records are not required for care, the provider may charge a reasonable fee for the reproduction of such records. | https://www.azleg.gov/ars/12/02295.htm | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients must make written requests. |
| ARKANSAS | x | https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/Hospital_Rules.pdf | Hopsitals and related institutions must maintain medical records for 10 years after a patient's last discharge. Complete medical records of minor must be retained for a period of two years after the minor reaches the age of majority. | A photocopy of a medical record shall not cost more than fifty cents (50¢) per page for the first twenty-five (25) pages and twenty-five cents (25¢) for each additional page. A labor charge not exceeding $25 maybe charged for each request, or in the alternative, a reasonable retrieval fee for records that do not exist in any electronic format. If the patient or person authorized to request the patient's medical records requests that the medical records be notarized or certified, an additional fee of two dollars ($2.00) may be charged. The actual cost of any postage may be charged. | https://www.armedicalboard.org/Professionals/pdf/act767.pdf | Generally, medical records that exist in electronic format shall be produced within 30 days after receipt of the request. | Patients must make written requests. | ||
| CALIFORNIA | x | Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 22, § 72543 https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/california/22-CCR-72543 | x | Hospitals must keep adults’ records for a minimum of 7 years after discharge, and must keep minors' records until age 19, but no case can minors' records be kept less than 7 years. All exposed x-ray film must be kept for 7 years. | Providers may charge reasonable, cost-based fees for labor, supplies, postage, and preparing a summary (if agreed to by the patient or their representative), that are no more than $.25 per page for paper copies, or $.50 per page for records that are copied from microfilm. If a request is rlated to a patient's eligibility for certain public benefit programs, the records or portions of the records may be provided at no cost. | https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=123110.&lawCode=HSC | Providers must provide the copies within 15 days of receipt of the request. Record requests related to eligibility for certain public benefits programs must be provided within 30 days after receiving a written request. | Under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, a provider may require that a patient request the records in writing, if they inform the patient of this requirement. The provider may also allow the patient to request the records electronically. A provider may require a patient to use the provider's own supplied form, as long as use of the form doesn't create a barrier to, or unreasonably delay, access to the records. | |
| COLORADO | x | https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=5698 | x | https://ehr.wrshealth.com/shared/practice-documents/2037373/2028_Colo_Med_Board_40-07_records_release.pdf | Hospitals must keep all patients medical records for 10 years after the most recent patient care usage of the medical record. Minors' records must be kept until the patient is age 28, or 10 years after the most recent patient usage, whichever is later. The Colorado Medical Board recommends that physicians and physician assistants keep adults’ records for 7 years after the last date of treatment, and minors’ records 7 years after their last date of treatment, or until they turn 25, whichever comes later. | Reasonable fees means an amount not to exceed $18.53 for the first ten pages, $0.85 per page for the next thirty pages, and $0.57 per page for each additional page, except if the records are stored on microfilm, $1.50 per page. No limit on actual reproduction costs for each copy of a radiograph. A fee of $10 may be charged for certification. Actual postage and taxes may be charged. | https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-25-health/co-rev-st-sect-25-1-801/ | In most cases, Colorado health care facilities must provide copies of medical records within 10 business days of receiving a signed request. | Requests should be signed by patients. |
| CONNECTICUT | x | https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Departments-and-Agencies/DPH/dph/public_health_code/Sections/19a1440to19a1451MedicalRecordspdf.pdf | Providers must generally retain a patient's medical records for 7 years after their last treatment, or 3 years from the patient's death. | Providers can charge up to $.65 per page, including research fees, handling fees or related costs, and first class postage. The provider can charge a patient for the cost of materials for providing a copy of an x-ray. If a health record is necessary to support a Social Security claim or appeal, the provider cannot charge patients for the record. | https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Practitioner-Licensing--Investigations/PLIS/Access-to-Medical-Records | 30 days after receiving a written request. | Patients must request copies in writing. | ||
| DELAWARE | x | https://delcode.delaware.gov/title24/c017/sc05/index.shtml | Doctors must retain medical records for 7 years after the last entry date of a patients record. | Limits apply to both electronic and paper copies: $2.00 per page for pages 1-10; $1.00 per page for pages 11-20; $0.90 per page for pages 21-60; $0.50 per page for pages 61 and aboves (charges may be adjusted to include the cost of supplies, labor, and postage). | https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/medicalpractice/record_fees/ | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should submit their request to a Delaware health care provider using a written, signed authorization to release medical records. | ||
| FLORIDA | x | http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0456/Sections/0456.057.html | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/florida/Fla-Admin-Code-Ann-R-64B8-10-002 | Doctors must retain medical records for 5 years after their last contact with a patient (medical malpractice law requires records to be kept for at least seven years) and public health care providers and institutions must retain records for 7 years after patient discharge. | Doctors and chiropractors may charge a maximum of $1 per page for first 25 pages and $.25 per page for any additional pages. Hospitals may charge a maximum of $1 per page for paper copies. Reasonable costs of reproducing x-rays and other special kinds of records can be actual costs. Health care providers can charge patients for postage as well. | https://flboardofmedicine.gov/patient-records-faqs/#:~:text=How%20do%20I%20request%20medical,address%20on%20their%20Practitioner%20Profile). | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should make a written request via certified mail. |
| GEORGIA | x | https://rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/111-8-40 | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-31/chapter-33/section-31-33-2/ | Hospitals must retain all patients' medical records at least until the fifth anniversary of the patients' discharges. If the patient is a minor, the records must be retained for at least five (5) years past the age of majority. Other providers must reatin records for 10 years from the date they were created. | Copies of records shall be provided to patients for a reasonable fee in accordance with applicable laws. | https://rules.sos.state.ga.us/gac/111-8-40 | Copies should be provided within a reasonable time period not to exceed thirty (30) days after the request, unless the patient agrees to a lengthier delivery time. | Patients, or their authorized representative, should make a written request to the provider. |
| HAWAII | x | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol13_ch0601-0676/HRS0622/HRS_0622-0058.htm | Providers must retain medical records for a minimum of 7 years after information was entered, and for minors, until they turn 25. | Reasonable costs incurred by a health care provider in making copies of medical records shall be borne by the requesting person. | https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0622/HRS_0622-0057.htm | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. In addition, according to state law, if an attorney for a patient requests copies of medical records, they must be given to the attorney within a reasonable time period of not more than 10 working days. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| IDAHO | https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title39/t39ch13/sect39-1394/ | Clinical laboratory test records and reports may be destroyed five (5) years after the date of the test recorded or reported therein. X-ray films may be destroyed five (5) years after the date of exposure, or five (5) years after the patient reaches the age of majority, whichever is later. | In paper format they may charge up to: $.50 per page for the first twenty-five (25) pages and $.20 per page for each additional page. In electronic format, one may be charged up to a flat fee of $15, as well as an additional $10 if the request is fulfilled within 10 days and the records are provided in a format that can be immediately viewed or downloaded. Providers can charge actual reproduction costs for x-rays or other medical records that are difficult or expensive to duplicate, as well as the actual cost of sending records to a patient. | https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2022/legislation/S1346.pdf | Requests for medical records should be fulfilled within thirty (30) days. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | |||
| ILLINOIS | x | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=021000850K6.17 | x | https://ilga.gov/Documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K8-2001.htm | Hospitals must keep medical records for a minimum of 10 years. | The provider can charge all reasonable expenses up to a handling charge of $35.73, as well as actual postage or shipping charges, plus copy charges. For paper copies, the first 25 pages, up to $1.34 per page, $.89 for pages 26-50, and $.45 for pages in excess of 50. Electronic records can require a charge of 50% of the per page charge for paper copies. A provider can also charge for the reasonable cost of duplicating materials such as x-rays or pictures. | https://illinoiscomptroller.gov/state-agencies/accounting/statutorily-required/copying-fees-adjustments | Records should be provided within 30 days after receiving a request. If a provider needs more time, they can provide the requesting party with a written statement about the reasons for delay and the date by which they will provide the records. In any event, the records must be provided no later than 60 days after receiving a request. | Requests should be in writing. |
| INDIANA | x | https://statecodesfiles.justia.com/indiana/2016/title-16/article-39/chapter-7/chapter-7.pdf | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/2015/title-16/article-39/chapter-1/ | Health care providers must keep medical records for a minimum of 7 years, and must keep x-ray film for a minimum of 5 years. | Providers can charge patients up to $1 per page for pages 1-10, $.50 per page for pages 11-50, and $.25 per page for pages 51+. Additionally, providers can charge a $10 fee for providing copies within 2 working days, up to $20 for labor, up to $20 for certification, and the actual costs of mailing the records. | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/indiana/760-IAC-1-71-3 | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients must make written requests. |
| IOWA | x | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/rule/09-22-2010.653.13.7.pdf | Iowa physicians must keep patients’ medical records for at least 7 years from the last date of service. | There are state rules limiting what can be charged when requests relate to workers' compensation matters. | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/09-08-2021.876.8.pdf | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Requests should be made in writing. | ||
| KANSAS | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/kansas/K-A-R-28-34-9a | Hospitals should keep medical records for 10 years after the date of a patient's last discharge. For minors, hospitals should keep records for either 10 years or until the patient turns 19, whichever is longer. | Under HIPAA, a covered entity may impose "reasonable," cost-based fees for copying medical records. The fee may include only the cost of copying (including supplies and labor) and postage, if the patient requests that the copy be mailed | https://kmsonline.org/resources/practice-operations/1831-2013-medical-record-copying-costs?highlight=WyJyZWNvcmQiLCJjb3B5aW5nIiwiY29zdHMiLCJyZWNvcmQgY29weWluZyIsInJlY29yZCBjb3B5aW5nIGNvc3RzIiwiY29weWluZyBjb3N0cyJd | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| KENTUCKY | x | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/902/020/016/ | Medical records shall be retained for at least 6 years from the date of discharge, or, if the patient is a minor, for 3 years after the patient reaches the age of majority under state law, whichever is longest. | A hospital or a healthcare provider will provide, without charge to the patient, a copy of the patient's medical record upon request. A copying fee, not to exceed $1 per page, may be charged for issuing a second copy of the patient's medical record. | https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=18145 | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers and provide a written request. | ||
| LOUISIANA | x | http://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964709 | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/louisiana/revised-statutes/title-40/rs-40-2144/ | Physicians and dentists must keep patients’ records for at least 6 years from the last date of treatment. Physicians and dentists must keep X-ray films, and similar recordings for 3 years. Hospitals must keep records for 10 years from the last date a patient was discharged. | Paper or digital copies shall be provided for a reasonable copyijng charge, not to exceed $1 per page for the first 25 pages, $.50 per page for pages 26-350, and $.25 per page thereafter. Providers can also require up to $25 for handling, as well as actual postage. Charges for providing digital copies can't be more than $100, plus postage. | https://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964709 | Copies must be provided within a reasonable time period not to exceed 15 days following receipt of the request. | Patients should consult their health care providers and provide a written request. |
| MAINE | x | https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/22/title22sec1711.html | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/maine/10-144-C-M-R-ch-112-SS-3 | Maine hospitals must keep medical records for 7 years or more, and must keep a minor's records for at least 6 years after the minor reaches the age of majority. | The charge for paper copies of records may not exceed $5 for the first page and $.45 for each additional page, up to a maximum of $250 for the entire medical record. Charges for digital records can't exceed $150. | https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/22/title22sec1711-A.html | Records should be provided pursuant to Federal law, and to the extent a provider isn't subject to relevant Federal law, within a reasonable time. | Patients should consult their health care providers. Providers may provide records based on an oral authorization under certain circumstances. |
| MARYLAND | x | https://health.maryland.gov/mbpme/Pages/records.aspx#retain | Except for minors, medical records must be kept for at least 7 years. For minors, medical records must be kept until at least 7 years after the patient reaches the age of majority. | Providers cannot charge more than $.76 per page, plus actual postage and handling costs. These limits don't apply to x-rays. Charges for copies in electronic format can't be more than actual labor costs for responding to the request. | https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/CPD/Tips-Publications/edge88.aspx#:~:text=For%20records%20from%20facilities%20(hospitals,HEAU%2Fdefault.aspx%E2%80%8B | Yes, within a reasonable time that's no more than 21 days of the request. | Patients should make written requests. | ||
| MASSACHUSETTS | x | https://www.mass.gov/info-details/medical-records-obligations | x | Records for adults must be maintained for at least 7 years from the date of the last patient encounter. For minors, physicians must maintain medical records for at least 7 years from the date of the last patient encounter or until the patient turns 18, whichever is longer. | Under HIPAA a physician may only charge a “reasonable, cost-based fee,” which can only include the cost of copying. Massachusetts law allows physicians not covered by HIPAA to charge a base fee of $15.00 for each request, as well as a copying charge of $0.50 per page for the first 100 pages, and $0.25 per page in excess of 100. | https://www.mass.gov/info-details/medical-records-obligations#:~:text=Permissible%20Rates%20for%20Copying%20Records&text=Massachusetts%20law%20allows%20physicians%20not,to%20the%20Consumer%20Price%20Index.) | MA law does not define “reasonable time” and in a “timely manner,” but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | |
| MICHIGAN | x | http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(ry1vg2iwqthumn3qslvsk2az))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-333-26265 | x | https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-333-16213#:~:text=(a)%20Except%20as%20otherwise%20provided,to%20which%20the%20record%20pertains. | Providers must retain medical records for a minimum of 7 years from the date of service to which the record pertains. | As of 2025, a provider can charge $1.58 for the first 20 pages, $.79 for pages 21-50, and $.32 for pages 51+. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis. | https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Folder2/Folder2/Medical_Records_Access_Act_Fees.pdf?rev=98d5db31eb95455b9a3e68bf7ccd6ab7 | Yes, providers must respond as promptly as required under the circumstances, but not later than 30 days after receiving the request (60 days, if the records aren't maintained or accessible on-site.) | Patients must submit written requests. |
| MINNESOTA | x | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/2150.7535/ | x | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/145.32#:~:text=All%20portions%20of%20individual%20hospital,required%20to%20retain%20the%20records | Elements of a patient’s medical record including records pertaining to case history, physical examinations and daily hospital activities must be kept indefinitely, but other elements may be discarded after 7 years. Minors medical records must be kept until they are 26. | When a patient requests a copy of the patient's record for purposes of reviewing current medical care, the provider must not charge a fee. Otherwise, for paper copies, they may charge up to $1 per page, plus $10 for time spent retrieving & copying the records; for x-rays, a total of $30; and for electronic copies, a total of $20 for retrieving the records. For copies of paper records, there may be a total charge of up to $10 if no records are available; $30 for records of up to 25 pages; $50 for records of up to 100 pages; $50, plus an additional $.20 per page for pages 101+; or $500 for any request. | https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/144.292 | Providers must provide the records within 30 calendar days of receiving a written request. | Patients should make written requests. |
| MISSISSIPPI | x | https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-41-public-health/ms-code-sect-41-9-69/ | Complete hospital records for adults must be retained for at least 7 years after discharge if the patient is discharged at death, and 10 years after discharge if the patient is of sound mind at discharge. Complete hospital records for minors must be retained for at least the period of minority plus 7 years, but not more than 28 years. | Providers cannot charge more than $20 for pages 1-20; $1 per page for the next 80 pages, and $0.50 per page for all subsequent pages. Providers may charge actual costs of reproducing x-rays or other special records. Ten percent of the total charge may be for postage and handling, and there may be a $15 charge if records must be retrieved off-site. | https://www.sos.ms.gov/ACCode/00000291c.pdf | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-da | Patients should make written requests | ||
| MISSOURI | x | https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=334.097 | x | https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/localrecords/healthdistrictandhospital.pdf | Yes, doctors must keep patients’ medical records for at least 7 years after their last treatment date. Hospitals must retain adult patients’ records for 10 years and minors’ records for 10 years or until they reach the age of 23, whichever is longer. | The 2025 maximum fees for copying medical records are $29.47 plus $0.68 per page for the cost of labor and supplies for copies provided in paper form and $27.59 for additional costs if records are maintained off-site. The new maximum fees for copying will be $29.47 plus $0.68 per page, or $129.16 total, whichever is less, for copies provided electronically. | https://health.mo.gov/atoz/fees.php | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-da | Patients should submit a written request. |
| MONTANA | x | https://rules.mt.gov/gateway/ruleno.asp?RN=37.106.402 | x | https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/1997/mca/50/16/50-16-541.htm#:~:text=50%2D16%2D541.,for%20patient's%20examination%20and%20copying.&text=(e)%20deny%20the%20request%20in,in%20the%20health%20care%20information. | Patients’ full medical records must be retained by hospitals for at least 10 years after discharge or death. Minors’ records must be retained for at least 10 years following the date the patient attains the age of majority or dies. | Providers cannot charge more than $.50 per page, plus a reasonable administrative fee of up to $15 for searching and handling. | https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0500/chapter_0160/part_0080/section_0160/0500-0160-0080-0160.html | Yes, no later than 10 days after receiving a written request. If unusual circumstances delay handling the request, the provider must inform the patient, specify the reasons in writing, and provide the records within 21 days. | Patients should make written requests |
| NEBRASKA | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/nebraska/175-Neb-Admin-Code-ch-9-SS-006 | x | https://govdocs.nebraska.gov/epubs/H8310/R175.0009-2006.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com | Hospitals must keep adult patients’ records for 10 years after their last discharge, and they must keep minors’ records for 10 years or until they turn 21, whichever is longer. | Providers can charge up to $.50 per page, plus the actual cost of postage, and charge no more than $20 as a handling fee. Providers can charge reasonable costs for duplicating records that can't be copied on a standard photocopy machine. | https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Documents/Medical Records.pdf | Yes, patients are entitled to view their medical records within 10 days of requesting to do so, and to receive copies of their records within 30 days of their request. | Patients should submit written requests. |
| NEVADA | x | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-629.html#NRS629Sec051 | Providers must keep patients records for 5 years. | Providers cannot charge more than $.60 per page for photocopies, plus the actual cost of postage. Providers may charge reasonable costs for copying x-rays. | https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-629.html | Patients can view their health care records within 10 working days (20, if records are kept out-of-state) of receiving the request. | Patients should make requests in writing. | ||
| NEW HAMPSHIRE | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-hampshire/N-H-Admin-Code-SS-Med-501.02 | x | http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XXX/332-I/332-I-1.htm | Providers must keep copies of patients’ medical records for at least 7 years after their last contact. | Providers can charge a reasonable rate up to $50 for electronic copies. For paper copies, providers can charge up to $5 for the first page, $.41 per page for pages 2-50, and $.30 per page for pages 51+. | https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/xxx/332-I/332-I-1.htm | Records should be provided within 30 days from receipt of a signed release, unless the nature of the medical treatment requires an immediate response. | Patients should make requests in writing. |
| NEW JERSEY | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-26/section-26-8-5/?utm_source=chatgpt.com | x | https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Consumer%20Briefs/state-board-of-medical-examiners.pdf | Hospitals must keep patients’ records for at least 10 years after the date they were discharged or until minors reach the age of 23. Doctors must keep medical records for 7 years. | Providers may charge up to $1 per page or $50 per individual admission record, whichever is less. | https://pub.njleg.gov/bills/2022/S2500/2253_I1.HTM | Records should be provided within 30 days of the request. | Patients should make written requests |
| NEW MEXICO | x | https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.010.0017.html | Physicians must retain medical records that they own for at least 10 years after the date of last treatment. Medical records for patients who are minors must be retained until the date that the patient is 21 years old. | A reasonable cost-based charge may be made for the cost of duplicating and mailing medical records. "Reasonable" charge is not more than $30 for the first 15 pages, and $0.25 per page thereafter. Providers may charge the actual costs of copying x-rays. | https://srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.010.0017.html | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| NEW YORK | x | https://regs.health.ny.gov/content/section-40510-medical-records - :~:text=(4) Medical records shall be,least six years after death. | x | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/18 | Medical records must be retained for at least 6 years from date of discharge, or in the case of a minor, for 6 years or until they turn 18, whichever is longer. | Providers can charge up to $.75 per page for paper copies, plus the cost of postage. | https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/PBH/17 | Patients can view their medical records within 10 days of a written request. Providers must respond to written requests for copies of records within a reasonable time. | Patients should make written requests |
| NORTH CAROLINA | x | \http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/ncac/title%2010a%20-%20health%20and%20human%20services/chapter%2013%20-%20nc%20medical%20care%20commission/subchapter%20b/10a%20ncac%2013b%20.3903.pdf | Hospitals must keep adult patients’ records for 11 years after the their discharge, and for minor patients, until they turn 30. | The maximum fee for each request can be $.75 per page for the first 25 pages, $.50 per page for pages 26 through 100, and $.25 for each page in excess of 100 pages. There may be a minimum fee of $10, including copying costs. | https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_90/Article_29.pdf | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| NORTH DAKOTA | x | https://www.ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/33-07-01.1.pdf | Hospitals must keep adults’ records for 10 years after they were last treated, and must keep minors’ records for either 10 years or until they turn 21, whichever is longer. | Providers can charge patients up to $20 for the first 25 pages and $.75 per page for each additional page, including the price of postage. For electornic copies, providers can charge up to $30 for the first 25 pages and $.25 per page for each additional page. | https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t23c12.pdf#nameddest=23-12-14 | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should make requests in writing. | ||
| OHIO | x | https://www.amcno.org/assets/PDFs/Medical Records Fact Sheet AMCNO 2021 %287219761-5x7AB84%29.pdf | x | http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3701.74 | No set rule, though HIPAA and the Ohio Medicaid rules mandates the retention of records for a period of at least six (6) years after payment of the claim to the provider. | Reasonable, cost-based amounts permitted to be charged under federal laws and regulations. As of 2025: For the first ten pages: $3.88 per page; $.81 per page for pages 11-50; and $.32 per page for pages 51+. | https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3701.741 | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should submit written requests. |
| OKLAHOMA | x | https://oklahoma.gov/ohca/policies-and-rules/xpolicy/medical-providers-fee-for-service/general-provider-policies/general-scope-and-administration/record-retention.html | Oklahoma Health Care Authority Board requires a provider to retain records for a period of six years. | $.50 per page; $.30 per page for records in digital form. | https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=439160 | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| OREGON | x | https://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/192.553 | x | https://oregon.public.law/rules/oar_333-505-0050 | Hospitals must keep medical records for at least 10 years after discharge. | No more than $30 for copying 10 or fewer pages of written material, no more than $.50 per page for pages 11 through 50, and no more than $.25 per page for each additional page. Provider may also charge actual costs of reproducing x-rays or other reports in non-written form, as well as for postage. | https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=214089 | Requests must be complied with within a reasonable amount of time not to exceed 30 days from receipt of the request. | Patients should consult their health care providers. |
| PENNSYLVANIA | x | https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/028/chapter115/s115.29.html | x | https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?file=/secure/pacode/data/049/chapter16/s16.95.html&d=reduce | Adult medical records should be retained for a minimum of 7 years from last entry and and minors’ medical records should be retained for 1 year after they reach majority, even if that means the records are retained for more than 7 years. Hospitals should retain medical records for 7 years following discharge. | As of 1/1/2025, providers can charge up to $1.94 per page for pages 1 – 20; $1.44 per page for pages 21-60; $.50 per page for pages 61+; and $2.86 for microfilm copies. | https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Administrative/Pages/Medical-Record-Fees.aspx | The state does not define "reasonable time,” but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension | Patients should consult their health care providers. |
| RHODE ISLAND | x | https://health.ri.gov/medicalrecords/ | x | http://www.healthinfolaw.org/node/3168/ | Providers must retain patient records for at least 7 years after the most recent patient encounter. | The physician can charge the actual cost to reproduce the document plus a reasonable fee for clerical services that cannot be more than $25. There can be charges to copy x-rays and other documents not reproduceable by photocopy. | https://health.ri.gov/medicalrecords/about/feesforcopying/ | Yes, within 30 days. | Patient should submit written requests. |
| SOUTH CAROLINA | x | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c115.php | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-44/chapter-7/section-44-7-325/ | Doctors and hospitals must keep adults’ medical records for 10 years after their last treatment, and doctors must keep minors’ medical records for 13 years after their last treatment. | Providers cannot charge more than $.65 per page for pages 1-30 and $.50 per page for pages 31+. Providers may also charge a clerical fee of up to $25. The cost for electronic copies can't be more than $150 per request & the cost for printed copies can't be more than $200 per request. Providers can also charge actual postage & applicable sales tax. | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t44c115.php | Yes, 45 days. However, under federal law, providers are required to give patients their records within 30 days. | Patients should submit written requests. |
| SOUTH DAKOTA | x | https://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/Administrative/44:73:09:06 | Hospitals must keep adults’ medical records for 10 years after their last treatment and minors’ records for 10 years or until they turn 20, whichever is later. | For a paper copy of a medical record, the fee may not exceed $10 for the first 10 pages and $.33 for each additional page; For an electronic copy of a medical record, the fee may not exceed $.25 per page. Proivders can also charge for postage or shipping, plus tax. | https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/36-2-16.4 | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| TENNESSEE | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/tennessee/Tenn-Comp-R-Regs-0880-02-.15 | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-68/health/chapter-11/part-3/section-68-11-305/ | Doctors must keep adult patients’ records for 10 years after their last professional contact, and must keep minors’ records until they turn 19 or for 10 years, whichever is longer. Hospitals must keep adult medical records for 10 years following discharge/death at the hospital, and must keep minors' records until they turn 19 or for 10 years following discharge, whichever is longer. | Providers can charge patients up to $18 for the first 5 pages, and up to $.85 per page for pages 6-50; up to $.60 per page for pages 51-250; and up to $.35 per page thereafter. They can also charge a fee of up to $20 for certifying the medical records. | https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/title-68/health/chapter-11/part-3/section-68-11-304/ | Yes, health care providers must furnish patients with copies within 10 working days, and hospitals must do so "without unreasonable delay." | Patient should submit written requests. |
| TEXAS | x | https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.241.htm | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/texas/22-Tex-Admin-Code-SS-163-2 | Hospitals must retain medical records for at least 10 years from a patient's last treatment. For minors, hospitals must retain medical records for at least 10 years from a patient's last treatment, or until the patient is 20, whichever is later. Physicians must retain medical records for at least 7 years from the date of last treatment. For minors, physicians must retain medical records for at least 7 years from the date of last treatment or until the patient is 21, whichever is longer. | Providers can charge reasonable fees up to $30 for the first 10 pages; $1 per page for pages 11-60, $.50 per page for pages 61-400, and $.25 per page for pages 400+, as well as the actual cost of mailing, shipping, or otherwise delivering the copies. | https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/health-and-safety-code/health-safety-sect-241-154/?utm_source=chatgpt.com | Yes, within 15 business days of receiving a written request. | Patients should submit written requests. |
| UTAH | x | https://dlbc.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/R432-500.pdf | Yes, hospitals must keep adult patients’ records for at least 7 years after the last date of patient care, and must keep minors’ records until they're 21, or for 7 years after the last date of patient care, whichever is longer. | Providers may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee that includes only the cost of copying (including supplies and labor) and postage. | https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78B/Chapter5/78B-5-S618.html | State law requires records to be provided within the deadlines established by the federal HIPAA privacy rule. Providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-da | Patients should consult their health care providers. | ||
| VERMONT | x | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/043/01905#:~:text=(8)%20Professional%20case%20records%20shall,a%20minimum%20of%2010%20years. | x | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/03/005/00129a | Hospitals must keep professional case records for at least 10 years. Physicians should retain records for at least 7 years. | Providers can charge patients a flat fee of up to $5, or up to $.50 per page, whichever is greater. Providers can charge fees reasonably related to associated costs for providing copies of x-rays, films, models, disks, tapes, or information in other formats. | https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/18/221/09419#:~:text=(a)%20A%20custodian%20may%20impose,an%20individual%27s%20health%20care%20record. | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should submit written requests. |
| VIRGINIA | x | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter29/section54.1-2910.4/ | x | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title54.1/chapter24/section54.1-2403.3/ | Physicians must keep adults’ medical records for a minimum of 6 years from the last patient encounter, and are not required to maintain health records for longer than 12 years from the date of creation except for the health records of a minor child, including immunizations, which shall be maintained until the child reaches the age of 18 or becomes emancipated, with a minimum time for record retention of 6 years from the last patient encounter regardless of the age of the child. | For paper copies, providers can charge $.50 per page for the first 50 pages, $.25 for additional pages, and any postage and shipping costs. Providers can charge $.37 per page for the first 50 pages of an electronic copy and $.18 for any additional pages, as well as any shipping and postage costs. | https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title8.01/chapter14/section8.01-413/#:~:text=When%20the%20health%20records%20requested,50%20pages%20and%20%240.25%20per | Yes, within 30 days | Patients should make written requests. |
| WASHINGTON | x | https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.02.080 | x | https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=70.41.190 | Hospitals must retain and preserve all medical records for at least 10 years following the most recent discharge of the patient. Hospitals must retain minors' records for until age 21 or for 10 years following discharge, whichever is longer. | Providers may charge reasonable fees. Reasonable feess may not exceed $.65 per page for the first 30 pages, and $.50 per page for all other pages. Providers may charge a clerical fee of up to $15. | https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=70.02.010 | Yes, within 15 days. | Patients should make written requests. |
| WEST VIRGINIA | x | https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-29-1/ | x | https://regulations.justia.com/states/west-virginia/agency-64/title-64/series-64-12/section-64-12-7/ | Hospitals must preserve medical records for at leats 5 years. | Providers may charge fees up to $20 for search & handling, and $.40 per page for paper copies, as well as postage and tax. If records are stored electornically, providers may charge up to $.20 per page, up to $150 inclusive of all fees except for applicable taxes. | https://code.wvlegislature.gov/16-29-2/ | Yes, within 30 days | Patients should submit written requests. |
| WISCONSIN | x | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/med/21/03/1 | x | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/register/2017/741B/remove/dhs124 | Providers must retain medical records for at least 5 years. | No more than: $1 per page for the first 25 pages; $.75 per page for pages 26 to 50; $.50 per page for pages 51 to 100; and $.30 per page for pages 101 and above. Providers may charge up to $1.50 per page for microfiche or microfilm, and $10 per image for x-rays. Providers may also charge actual shipping costs and applicable taxes. | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/146/83/3f | No, but under the federal HIPAA privacy rule, providers must furnish patients with copies within 30 days, or 60 days if records are kept off-site. If the providers cannot either respond or provide the records within this time frame, they can use one 30-day extension. | Patients should make written requests. |
| WYOMING | x | https://law.justia.com/codes/wyoming/2017/title-35/chapter-2/article-6/section-35-2-615/ | x | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/wyoming/052-3-Wyo-Code-R-SS-3-4 | Hospitals must maintain medical records for at least 1 year following receipt of an authorization to disclose health care information. | Providers may establish reasonable charges for actual costs incurred, including copies, clerical staff time and the physician's time if necessary. A patient shall not be denied a summary or a copy of requested medical records because of an inability to pay. | https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/wyoming/052-3-Wyo-Code-R-SS-3-4 | Yes, physicians shall comply with the patient's written request within a reasonable period or no more than thirty days, whichever is shorter. | Patients should submit written requests. |
| Date last updated | 8/19/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/19/2025 | 8/19/2025 |