2. How can I obtain my medical notes and records from the clinic or hospital that treated me?

2. How can I obtain my medical notes and records from the clinic or hospital that treated me?

The medical notes and records pertaining to patients can be obtained by making a data access request to the medical practitioner, clinic or hospital concerned upon payment of the prescribed fees. The practitioner (doctor), clinic or hospital, as a data user that can collect and keep personal data on patients, is obliged to supply the requested data to the patient concerned within 40 days of such a request in accordance with section 19 of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486).

Should a clinic, hospital, or medical practitioner refuse to provide you with the records of your diagnosis and treatments, you can make a complaint about their non-compliance with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance to the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. If a data user (in this case a hospital or medical practitioner) fails to comply with the Ordinance, the data user may face a fine or imprisonment.