Third party requests for medical records
You may receive requests from a third party for a patient’s medical records. This video will advise you about your clinical and legal responsibilities.
Sunday, 7 September 2025
You have an ethical and legal duty to keep your patients’ medical records confidential.
At the same time, medical records are often sought in legal proceedings or claims, and you may be asked to disclose them.
Many doctors contact Avant uncertain about their responsibilities when these requests arise.
In this video, Annabel Herron, Risk Adviser at Avant, explains what you need to know about your professional and legal duties.
This publication is not comprehensive and does not constitute legal or medical advice. You should seek legal or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practise proper clinical decision making with regard to the individual circumstances. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgement or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Avant is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information. Information is only current at the date initially published.
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