Patient access to medical records--from issue to law. Part I: An historical perspective

The growing interest of the individual in gaining control of his destiny, reflected over the past two decades in the consumer movement, has run a course parallel to the establishment of patient rights in consumption of health services. The desire to know the particulars of his health care is one such area of consumer interest, and across the nation, this desire to know is fast becoming an absolute right to know. Although in some states this right has become established through the courts, it would appear to be more satisfactorily ensured by means of specific legislation. The state of Maryland has enacted a statute which guarantees the patient access to his own medical record information: this process is surveyed as a means of expanding the evolutionary process from issue to law. Part II of this article, which will appear in the next issue of JAMRA provides an action model for states in which similar change is sought.