If you believe that abuse or negligence has occurred within a nursing home, one of the first steps to take involves obtaining medical records and the conduction of a “medical record review” by a medical expert. These reviews are able to identify deviations from standards of care by physicians working within the home and explore the root causes of these problems.
HIPPA regulations make it quite difficult to obtain medical records from nursing homes, and many people lack understanding of the applicable laws to such a situation. Particular laws state that patients are entitled to view their medical records at any time during their care, treatment, or recuperation, and any authorized representative who is also permitted to view the records must be listed on that patient’s contract upon his/her admission to the facility. Patients also have the right to keep their medical records private and confidential if they choose.
If you are seeking a medical record review due to possible abuse or negligence, here are some tips to keep in mind:
– You are not required to explicitly tell the facility why you are requesting medical records. This may be best kept private if previous efforts to address negligence were ineffective, but this is your decision.
– Keep records for future reference of your requests to medical experts for a medical record review.
– Reasons to see medical records are usually well-founded and may potentially expose negligent or abusive practices, so don’t ignore any instincts or “gut feelings” that something may be wrong.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical abuse or negligence in a nursing home, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.
Lastly, America’s Consumer Lawyer is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
