Re: What is and is NOT the medical record?

[Robert Gellman <rgellman@cais.com>]

  On Tue, 27 Aug 1996 BBGarlock@aol.com wrote:
  
  > Are tissue samples, x-rays, fetal monitor strips, ultrasound videotapes and
  > the like which are external to the "medical record proper," but which contain
  > information about the patient and the patient's treatment, part of the
  > "medical record"?  If not, who has the right to say what will happen with
  > them and who can have access to them?
  
  The answer depends on your frame of reference.  If you are dealing with
  records of federal facilities, the answer will be found in the Privacy Act
  of 1974 (probably yes).  In other facilities, there may be local practices
  or state laws that are relevant.  But there are not that many modern laws
  that define medical records.  You can ask the same questions about
  "regular" medical records and find the same degree of uncertainty.  For
  the most part, there is a tremendous lack of clear rules.
  
  Bob
  
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