| Release of Patient Records to Patient

| Release of Patient Records to Patient A licensee shall, upon request of authorized requesting party holding a written release and authorization, provide a copy of a patient's medical record to the authorized requesting party within a reasonable period of time. In those cases where release of psychiatric/psychological records directly to a patient would be deemed harmful to the patient's mental health or well-being, the licensee shall not be obligated to release the records directly to the patient, but shall, upon request, release the records to the patient's legal representative. The licensee has a right to request a written authorization prior to release of the records to any party other than the patient. Upon receipt of the written release and authorization, the licensee must tender a copy of the records to the authorized requesting party within a reasonable period of time. Transfer of the records shall not be withheld because of an unpaid bill for medical services, but the licensee is entitled to reasonable compensation paid in advance for any copy expenses as provided in Part 2635, Rule 10.6.