Obtaining Medical Records

All requests must be in writing. You may mail or fax a written request which should contain as much information as possible to assist us in identifying your record(s). The request should contain the following information and a legible copy of your photo identification:

• Patient's full name, (previous name(s), birth date, social security number)
• Name of recipient, address, phone number (who is to receive information)
• Type of information requested (exact information you want released)
• Purpose of release (why information is being requested)
• Approximate date of treatment
• Appropriate signature with witness signature
• Date of request
• Expiration date of request (not to exceed one year)

Please click here to use the Authorization for Release of PHI form to expedite requests for medical records.

Please note: A fee is not assessed for copies of medical records requested for continuity of care (physician or other hospital). However, copies of records for reasons other than continuity of care are subject to a copy fee (NRS 629.061). These include but are not limited to legal requests, investigative agencies, insurance companies, and patient personal use requests. If you have any questions, please contact the Desert Springs Hospital HIM Department at (702) 369-7704.

In accordance with NRS 629.061.1, the following is The Valley Health System policy for requesting copies of medical records for a deceased patient:

HAND WRITTEN WILL:
A hand written will is valid in Nevada if there is a sole beneficiary and it is signed and dated by the decedent. No witness or notary signature/stamp is required. It is assumed (and accepted) that the sole beneficiary is Executor. A non-interested third party must sign an affidavit stating that the signature of the decedent is authentic.

REGULAR WILL:
This must state that the decedent was in sound mind, over 18 and not under duress at the time of the will's creating. It must be witnessed by two other people and notarized to be "self-proving" (i.e. valid).

SPECIAL LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION / ORDER FOR MEDICAL RECORDS:
A special letter of administration can be issued by Probate specifically to authorize an individual to obtain the medical record of the decedent provided that there are no assets in the estate. This process has no cost and takes two days.

PROBATE:
If there is no valid will, the petitioner must request a hearing with Probate to be named Executor. It generally takes 2-3 weeks from the time of the application to the actual hearing. You must contact the office of the Probate Court for additional information.