36-4-37Transfer of active patient records--Destruction--Notice.

Active patient records controlled by a physician licensed pursuant to this chapter or by his estate may not be transferred to any person not licensed under this chapter unless the records are transferred to the patient or the patient's personal representative or designee, the patient's parent in the case of a minor, a health care facility licensed under chapter 34-12 or a corporation organized for the purpose of owning and operating a health care clinic. If active patient records cannot be so transferred, they shall be retained by the physician or estate in possession of them or destroyed. Prior to any transfer or destruction of active patient records, reasonable notice of at least thirty days shall be given by mail to the patient, the patient's parent in the case of a minor or the patient's personal representative at his last known address stating the proposed disposition of the records and giving a deadline prior to which the records may be claimed.

Source: SL 1992, ch 265, § 1.