Code of the District of Columbia

§ 3–1210.11. Patient or client records.

(a) Upon written request from a patient or client, or person authorized to have access to the patient’s record under a health care power of attorney for the patient or client, the health care provider having custody and control of the patient’s or client’s record shall furnish, within a reasonable period of time, a complete and current copy of that record. If the patient or client is deceased, the request may be made by:

(1) A person authorized immediately prior to the decedent’s death to have access to the patient’s or client’s record under a health care power of attorney for the patient;

(2) The executor for the decedent’s estate;

(3) The temporary executor for the decedent’s estate;

(4) The administrator for the decedent’s estate;

(5) The temporary administrator for the decedent’s estate; or

(6) Any survivor of the decedent.

(b)(1) A health care provider may require the patient or client, or person authorized to have access to the patient’s or client’s record, to pay a reasonable fee for copying, as determined by the board through rulemaking.

(2) For the purposes of this subsection, the term “record” includes a copy of a bill that has been requested by an individual but excludes x-rays.

(c) Medical or client records shall be maintained for a minimum period of 3 years from the date of last contact for an adult and a minimum period of 3 years after a minor reaches the age of majority.