Indiana § 16-39-1-3 - Request for patient's health records; who may request

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 16-39-1-3 — Request for patient's health records; who may request, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 16-39-1-3. Request for patient's health records; who may request

Sec. 3. (a) Health records may be requested by a competent patient if the patient is:

(1) emancipated and less than eighteen (18) years of age; or

(2) at least eighteen (18) years of age.

(b) If a patient is incompetent, the request for health records may be made by the parent, guardian, or custodian of the patient.

(c) Health records of a deceased patient may be requested:

(1) by a coroner under IC 36-2-14-21 or by the personal representative of the patient's estate;

(2) if the estate of the deceased patient does not have a personal representative, by the spouse of the deceased patient;

(3) if the deceased patient does not have a surviving spouse and the deceased patient's estate does not have a personal representative, by:

(A) a child of the deceased patient; or

(B) the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child of the deceased patient if the child of the deceased patient is incompetent;

(4) if the deceased patient was an incapacitated person for whom a guardian had been appointed under IC 29-3 or the law of another state, by the guardian of the deceased patient, except as provided in subsection (d); or

(5) if the deceased patient does not have a surviving spouse or child, and the deceased patient's estate does not have a personal representative, by any responsible member of the family.

(d) If:

(1) the deceased patient was an incapacitated person subject to a guardianship at the time of the patient's death; and

(2) a personal representative of the estate of the deceased patient is appointed under IC 29-1-7;

the guardian of the deceased patient may not request health records of the deceased patient under subsection (c)(4).

[Pre-1993 Recodification Citation: 16-4-8-3.]

As added by P.L.2-1993, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.28-2002, SEC.1; P.L.240-2017, SEC.1; P.L.45-2020, SEC.7.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 16-39-1-3

What does Indiana Code § 16-39-1-3 cover?

Section 16-39-1-3 ("Request for patient's health records; who may request") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 16-39-1-3?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 16-39-1-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 16-39-1-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.