Does A Certified Nurse Have The Authority To Review A Patient's Medical Records?

Posted on Sat, 24 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 24 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 17 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : hi, my question is, I recently applied as a home health aide and I'm wondering if the nurse that works within the agency has authority to review my medical records? I'm concerned because I was in the hospital for a couple weeks and i don't know if she will change her mind. I did have to fill out a couple pages about what meds I take who my doctor is and then I had to sign. Is that considered to be the release of my consent for her to get my medical records?

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes the nurse has the authority to go through your records.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam

I can certainly understand your concern.

As per you narration, you seem to have offered consent likely while filling in few pages.

This makes the nurse eligible to go through your medical records for health aid

Post your further questions if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar