Who owns the medical record of a patient?

The medical record of a patient is typically owned by the facility or organization where the healthcare services are provided. This means that while the patient has rights to access their medical records and there are laws governing their privacy and confidentiality, the physical and legal ownership of the record lies with the healthcare provider or the institution, such as a hospital or clinic.

The rationalization for this ownership is that the records are created and maintained as part of the healthcare provider’s duty to deliver care, document treatment and progress, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Moreover, the organization is responsible for safeguarding the information, ensuring its accuracy, and providing access in line with applicable laws.

Understanding this ownership structure helps clarify the responsibilities and rights associated with health records, particularly in relation to patient access, information sharing, and privacy regulations.