State Hospitals - Patient Information Requests - FAQ
Who do I ask if I want more information on a family member or loved one who was a patient at a state hospital?
It is recommended that you personally contract the State Hospital wherein your family member or loved one may have been a patient, either in writing or by phone-call, and make your request for information. Please see hospital contact information.
What information can I receive about a loved one that is currently in a state hospital, or used to be in a state hospital?
Unfortunately, due to state and federal confidentiality laws, information that can be disclosed is strictly limited. In most cases, these confidentiality laws prevail over any request for patient records from an entity, including family member, other than the patient him/herself, even if the patient is deceased.
- Welfare and Institutions Code 5328
To reach this link, go to http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes.xhtml and check Welfare and Instituitions Code, then enter 5328 in the search box. Then press the "Search" button. Select the file titled "Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5325-5337, then scroll down to 5328.
- Welfare and Institutions Code 6254 (c) and (k)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 45 CFR 164 Subpart E
To reach this link, go to http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/privacyrule/index.html.
What if the state hospital is closed?
Some of the state hospitals have been closed over the years, but records are still maintained from each facility. Please see the listings below of where records are currently being maintained:
| Closed Hospital or Developmental Center | Where Records are Currently Maintained |
|---|---|
|
State Operated Facilities Department of Developmental Services SOFrecordsrequest@dds.ca.gov |
|
Department of State Hospitals - Napa 2100 Napa-Vallejo Highway Napa, CA 94558-6293 Phone 707-253-5000 |
|
Department of State Hospitals - Metropolitan LA |
What if I don’t know which state hospital my family member or loved one is/was in?
Due to state and federal confidentiality laws, the Department of State Hospitals is not permitted to tell you which hospital your family member or loved one is, was, or may have been located. It is best to contact the State Hospital(s) with your inquiries and information that is allowable will be disclosed to you.
What if my relative or loved one is/was not in a state hospital?
If your family member or loved one was not a patient at a State Hospital, the Department of State Hospitals will not have any medical records.