Idaho medical records laws

How long a provider has to respond

Idaho has no state deadline for providing patients their records, so HIPAA applies: 30 days, with one 30-day extension if the provider notifies you in writing.(45 CFR 164.524)

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

Idaho has no statute capping copy fees; under HIPAA, a provider may charge only a reasonable cost-based fee for labor, supplies and postage, with no search or retrieval fee. A 2024 bill (S.B. 1395) that would have set state fees died in the House.(45 CFR 164.524)

Paper copies

No state cap — HIPAA reasonable cost-based fee

Electronic copies

No state rule; HIPAA cost-based fee applies.

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.

Minors and sensitive records

• Minors: No Idaho minor-specific record-access rule found; under HIPAA a parent is generally the minor's personal representative. Hospital x-ray films must be kept until at least 5 years after the patient reaches majority.(45 CFR 164.524, Idaho Code § 39-1394)

If a provider doesn't comply

Failure to transfer pertinent and necessary records to another provider when requested is unprofessional conduct subject to Board of Medicine discipline. No state private right of action found; HIPAA has none — file with DOPL or HHS OCR.(IDAPA 24.33.01.300.03.h)

• Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (Board of Medicine)

  physicians and other licensed health professionals · 208-334-3233

• HHS Office for Civil Rights

  HIPAA violations by any covered entity, within 180 days

How to request your records in Idaho

1. 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).
2. Keep a copy and note the date — the 30 days (HIPAA) clock runs from when the provider receives it.
3. 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 Idaho hospital's records office, or browse hospitals in Idaho.

Common questions about Idaho medical records