State medical records law
Arizona medical records laws
How do I get my medical records in Arizona, and what can a provider charge?
Arizona providers must respond no later than 30 days, and sooner when records are needed for upcoming treatment: a 2026 law (HB 2557, signed June 30, 2026) set 10 business days for electronic records under 12 months old and 15 business days for older electronic records in that case. Arizona allows a reasonable reproduction fee (no dollar amount set), which may be required in advance unless that would interfere with continuity of care. Copies are free in several situations, including when you need them to obtain health care or for a Social Security benefits appeal; HIPAA's cost-based limit also applies to a patient's own access request.
- Response deadline
- 30 days (HIPAA)
- Copy fees
- State fee schedule
- Retention — health care providers (general)
- Adults: at least 6 years after the last date of care. Minors: the later of 3 years after the 18th birthday or 6 years after the last visit. Source data: 6 years from collection. Unless other statute or federal law requires otherwise.
How Arizona differs from federal HIPAA
- Faster deadlines for records needed for upcoming treatment (10 or 15 business days) under the 2026 amendment.
- Copies must be free when needed to obtain health care or for a Social Security appeal.
- Statutory retention: 6 years for adults; minors 3 years past 18 or 6 years, whichever is later.
How long a provider has to respond
Arizona providers must respond no later than 30 days, and sooner when records are needed for upcoming treatment: a 2026 law (HB 2557, signed June 30, 2026) set 10 business days for electronic records under 12 months old and 15 business days for older electronic records in that case.(A.R.S. § 12-2293, Laws 2026, Ch. 98 (HB 2557), Arizona House summary, HB 2557 (Senate engrossed))
Under 45 CFR § 164.524, a provider may take one 30-day extension only if it tells you in writing, within the first 30 days, why and when you will get the records.
What a provider can charge
Arizona allows a reasonable reproduction fee (no dollar amount set), which may be required in advance unless that would interfere with continuity of care. Copies are free in several situations, including when you need them to obtain health care or for a Social Security benefits appeal; HIPAA's cost-based limit also applies to a patient's own access request.(A.R.S. § 12-2295, 45 CFR § 164.524)
- Paper copies
- No dollar cap; 'reasonable fee' for reproduction
- When copies are free
- Free when sent to another provider for continuing care, given to the patient or health care decision maker to obtain health care, sent to the Arizona Medical Board/Osteopathic Board/health officer, or provided for a Social Security disability appeal (first request per calendar year; SSA-1696 required for a representative).
A provider cannot refuse to give you your records because you owe money for treatment. Compare every state on the medical records fees by state page.
How long records must be kept
- Health care providers (general): Adults: at least 6 years after the last date of care. Minors: the later of 3 years after the 18th birthday or 6 years after the last visit. Source data: 6 years from collection. Unless other statute or federal law requires otherwise.(A.R.S. § 12-2297)
- Nursing care institutions: 6 years after discharge; minors the later of 3 years after age 18 or 6 years after discharge(A.R.S. § 12-2297)
Minors and sensitive records
- Minors: Minors' records must be kept until the later of 3 years after the child's 18th birthday or 6 years after the last visit.(A.R.S. § 12-2297)
If a provider doesn't comply
Complaints about doctors go to the Arizona Medical Board.(Arizona Attorney General / AZ OCA healthcare FAQ)
MD physicians
HIPAA violations by any covered entity, within 180 days
How to request your records in Arizona
- Ask the provider's medical records (health information) department for its request form, or write your own request with your name, date of birth, dates of care, the records you want, and the format (paper or electronic).
- Keep a copy and note the date — the 30 days (HIPAA) clock runs from when the provider receives it.
- If the deadline passes or the bill exceeds the rules above, use the complaint routes on this page.
Templates and step-by-step help are on the records-access hub. Find a Arizona hospital's records office, or browse hospitals in Arizona.
Common questions about Arizona medical records
How long does an Arizona provider have to give me my records?
Under the 2026 amendment to A.R.S. § 12-2293, records needed for upcoming treatment are due within 10 business days (records under 12 months old in the provider's current EHR) or 15 business days (older records in that system). Requests for other purposes, including personal copies, are due within 30 calendar days.(A.R.S. § 12-2293, Laws 2026, Ch. 98 (HB 2557))
How much can an Arizona provider charge for copies?
Arizona allows a reasonable reproduction fee and does not set a dollar amount. The provider may ask for payment in advance unless that would interfere with continuity of care.(A.R.S. § 12-2295)
When are copies free in Arizona?
Copies of the pertinent records are free when sent to another provider for your continuing care, given to you or your health care decision maker to obtain health care, or provided for a Social Security disability appeal (the first such request in a calendar year).(A.R.S. § 12-2295)
Can an Arizona provider refuse to give me my records?
Only on limited grounds, such as access being reasonably likely to endanger your life or physical safety or someone else's. The provider must note the denial, explain it in writing, and release any parts with no basis for denial.(A.R.S. § 12-2293)
How long are medical records kept in Arizona?
Adult records must be kept at least 6 years after your last care. Children's records must be kept until 3 years after the 18th birthday or 6 years after the last visit, whichever is later.(A.R.S. § 12-2297)
Where do I complain about an Arizona doctor and my records?
Complaints against a doctor go to the Arizona Medical Board, and you can file a HIPAA complaint with the HHS Office for Civil Rights within 180 days.(Arizona Attorney General / AZ OCA healthcare FAQ)
Sources
Checked against official sources on November 3, 2026.
- A.R.S. § 12-2293 — Release of medical records and payment records to patients and health care decision makers
- Laws 2026, Ch. 98 (HB 2557) — Amendment to § 12-2293 adding tiered response deadlines (approved June 4, 2026)
- Arizona House summary, HB 2557 (Senate engrossed) — Bill summary of tiered deadlines
- A.R.S. § 12-2295 — Charges
- A.R.S. § 12-2297 — Retention of records (official text via a public mirror)
- Arizona Attorney General / AZ OCA healthcare FAQ — Where to file complaints about doctors
- 45 CFR § 164.524 — HIPAA right of access