What is the test for accessing a patient's medical records?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from Brillantes v. Superior Court, 51 Cal.App.4th 323, 58 Cal.Rptr.2d 770 (Cal. App. 1996):

"The constitutional right to privacy is not absolute. [Citations.] It may be outweighed by supervening concerns. [Citation.] The state has enough of an interest in discovering the truth in legal proceedings, that it may compel disclosure of confidential material. [Citation.] '[A]n individual's medical records may be relevant and material in the furtherance of this legitimate state purpose....' [Citation.] An 'intrusion upon constitutionally protected areas of privacy requires a "balancing of the juxtaposed rights, and the finding of a compelling state interest." [Citations.]' [Citation.]" (Palay v. Superior Court, supra, at p. 933, 22 Cal.Rptr.2d 839.)

Other Questions


What is the effect of requiring a person to have access to the same type of medical records as a patient? (California, United States of America)
What is the privilege of providing medical records to the patient's family members? (California, United States of America)
Does a patient waive doctor-patient privilege by bringing an action for personal injury or medical malpractice? (California, United States of America)
If a defendant's medical records are admitted to a medical malpractice trial, is it prejudicial to the defense? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for determining the constitutional validity of a law that restricts access to medical records of an unborn child? (California, United States of America)
What are the consequences of failing to provide medical treatment, payment for self-procured medical treatment and medications? (California, United States of America)
What is the test for access to a public record based upon the purpose for which the record is being requested? (California, United States of America)
In a traffic stop, can the officer question the driver about the driver's medical history or medical history of the patient at the time of the traffic stop? (California, United States of America)
What is the scope of the prosecution's request to obtain confidential medical records of a patient in a criminal case? (California, United States of America)
Does section 2383 of the California Medical Code, section 490 of the Medical Licence Act, apply to medical malpractice? (California, United States of America)
X



Alexi white


"The most advanced legal research software ever built."

Trusted by top litigators from across North America.