Medical Record* and Archives

*With the coming into force of the Act respecting health and Social Services Information (AHSSI) on July 1, 2024, the notion of "medical record" has been changed to "Health and Social Services Information." The AHSSI replaces the Act respecting Health Services and Social Services (AHSSS).

Can I have access to my medical record?

Every user aged 14 years of age or over has right of access to their medical record, be it to obtain a copy, a summary, a specific item, or a certificate contained in it. 
Some restrictions may apply. 

Who can consult my medical record?

Any health-care professional may only consult a person's medical record in order to provide health care to that individual. Any person may restrict access to the information contained in their medical record. (Section 7 of the AHSSI) 

Access to the medical record of a deceased person

Confidentiality remains the rule in the case of accessing a deceased person's record. However, the heirs, legatees by particular title, legal representatives, and the beneficiaries of a deceased person's life insurance or pension plan are entitled to access the information contained in the individual's record if it is necessary to exercise their rights. (Section 27 of the AHSSI)

Help with the Grieving Process 

A spouse or close relative of a deceased person may have access certain health information that might help them in their grieving process. (Section 28 of the AHSSI)

  • Only access requests for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2024 are eligible. 
  • You must provide proof of affiliation (spouse, close relative) and evidence of how the record might help you in the grieving process. 
  • You must provide proof of death if the person died elsewhere than in our facility.
  • The person must not have denied access to their file before their death. (Section 8 of the AHSSI)
     

What procedures do I need to take to access my medical record?

Send a written request to the Archives Department at the point of service where you received care and services. 

  • By mail 
  • By e-mail 
  • By fax 

Consult this list (French) ​​​​​​to find contact information for CIUSSS de l'Estrie – CHUS medical archives. 

Information to include in your application:*

  • Family and first names of the person concerned**
  • Date of birth
  • Record number (if available) 
  • Health insurance number (RAMQ)
  • Recipient's address
  • Phone number where you can be reached
  • Required documents and targeted dates
  • SIGN AND DATE the application

* You can use this form.  
** If you are applying on behalf of another person, please indicate the capacity in which you are applying and provide the document(s) proving this capacity (birth certificate, will, mandate in case of incapacity, proof of death, etc.). 

No health or social services information will be provided over the phone. 
 

Fees

There is no charge for health and social services information sent to the person concerned (aged 14 and over), to the person with parental authority (aged under 14), to the tutor, to the mandatary, to the heir, or to the liquidator.  Requests for the grieving process, to validate the existence of a genetic disease, for rectification requests, and for logging are also free of charge. (Section 66 of the AHSSI)

Fees apply to:

  • Visit certificate 
  • Hospitalization certificate 
  • Time of birth certificate 
     

Processing time

The person in charge of the protection of information must respond to a request within 30 days. (Section 34 of the AHSSI)

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