We have blogged on this topic before but it is an important question that comes up a lot.

Some clients want to know why they cannot get the records of their loved one just by signing a medical release.  While this would be much simpler, medical records are private and they remain private even upon death.

Hospitals will not release medical records unless the Personal Representative (PR) requests them.  If there is no PR then one has to be named by the Orphans Court in the county where the deceased lived.  The closest blood relatives are the ones who are allowed to file the forms with the Orphans Court to get the court document called a Letter of Administration (LOA).  With this document, medical records can be released.

If you are having trouble getting medical records in this type of situation, please call us toll free at 1-800-299-HURT. You can email us by filling out the contact form on this page or on page of our website.