There Must Free Access To Records
Rule #5

Access to records is a issue that has historically been - and continues to be - problematic for those of us in the mental health service system.

Our families also share this frustration. Some of us have experienced

(1) long waiting periods for our records and

(2) copying fees that we can't afford.

For this reason, we would like to see access to records simplified by

allowing free, uninhibited records access to us from

▪ hospitals,

▪ psychiatrists,

▪ doctors,

▪ clinics, and

▪ therapists.

For those of us, who make requests for records and are denied,

we request
that services be mandated to have-
a Clinical Access Review Committee, so a grievance process can be followed.

Our experience also leads us to want more accurate record-keeping that is

(1) created jointly with the person who is using the service, and

(2) we want to have the ability to change or comment on records without having to go through a lot of  "red tape."

▪ This particular rule is important as it allows us to not only access our records, but empowers us to participate in a permanent story about us.

▪ That is why we must have more input into our records,

▪ More adequate training must be offered to providers in this area. We have the right to insure that the truth is written about our lives.

The Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPPA) leaves us hopeful that this is a major step toward accessing our records, and protecting our confidentiality. We would like it stated, however, that although we are promised confidentiality within mental health services, it often is not adhered to. This issue must be taken more seriously, and offenses must be more aggressively enforced.

to Rule # 6