Medical Records Policy & Procedure

Advantage Psychiatric Services, LLC ensures the protection of client confidentiality while facilitating the appropriate and lawful release of medical records. Medical records can only be released under the following conditions to safeguard client confidentiality and comply with relevant laws and regulations. Medical records are the property of Advantage Psychiatric Services, LLC. The content and extent of the medical records released will be at the discretion of the agency. The agency reserves the right to:

*redact or withhold portions of the medical record that are deemed unnecessary, irrelevant, or potentially harmful to the client or others
 *deny the release of records if the request does not meet legal or ethical standards

To request a copy of medical records, a Release of Information (ROI) form must be completed. The form can be mailed, faxed (410) 780-7178, or submitted electronically to records@advantagepsyc.com. Medical records will only be released upon receipt of the ROI and a written request that must include:             

*client’s full name, date of birth, and specific details of the information being requested             
*signature and date by the client or their legal representative

Medical records will only be released to clients and/or parties explicitly listed on a client's signed Release of Information (ROI) form. The ROI form must specify:             

*the purpose and information to be released       
*the parties authorized to receive the information       
*the expiration date of the authorization

For institutions requesting medical records that are not another medical provider, a $25 chart fee will be charged along with $.25 per page on records that are more than 15 pages. Records will not be released until the fee is paid and the ROI is signed.

ROI forms will be reviewed for completeness and validity before processing any request If you have any questions, please email records@advantagepsyc.com.

All requests for the release of medical records, along with the corresponding written request and ROI form(s), will be documented in the client’s file. Documentation will include details of the information released, the date of release, and the identity of the recipient. All medical records and requests for release of information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. This policy complies with all relevant federal and state laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This policy will be reviewed annually and amended as necessary to ensure compliance with current laws and best practices.