FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT PERSONAL INJURY CASES
I want to make sure my medical records will only be seen by those who are authorized. Does Virginia permit hospitals to distribute information about me to others?
No. In October 1998, the Supreme Court of Virginia upheld a verdict against a hospital in a case which involved the hospital’s unauthorized disclosure of a patient’s medical records to third parties. The court held that a hospital owes a duty to the patient not to disclose information gained during the course of treatment without the patient's permission and that violation of this duty gives rise to an action for money damages. The Court said that confidentiality is an integral aspect of the relationship between the health care provider and the patient. If you become our client, we will have you sign a form authorizing us to obtain your records.
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