Indiana medical records laws

How Indiana differs from federal HIPAA

• Indiana sets per-page and labor-fee caps by rule; for a patient's own request HIPAA's cost-based fee limit still applies.
• Indiana requires providers to keep records at least 7 years; HIPAA sets no medical-record retention period.

How long a provider has to respond

A provider must give you your records as soon as practicable and within 30 days of your written request; it may take up to 30 more days only if it tells you in writing, within the first 30 days, why and when you will get them.(Ind. Code § 16-39-1-1)

What a provider can charge

Indiana's copy charges are set by Department of Insurance rule 760 IAC 1-71-3: up to a $20 labor fee, $1 per page for the first 10 pages, $0.50 for pages 11-50 and $0.25 for page 51 and up, plus actual mailing cost and up to $20 to certify a record. When you request your own records, HIPAA's reasonable, cost-based fee limit also applies.(Ind. Code § 16-39-1-8, Ind. Code § 16-39-9-4, 760 IAC 1-71-3, 45 CFR 164.524)

Paper copies

$1.00/page (pages 1-10), $0.50/page (11-50), $0.25/page (51+), plus up to $20 labor fee

labor fee (max)

Up to $20.00

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

• Physicians and other listed providers (including hospitals and home health agencies covered by the statute): Original records or microfilms must be kept at least 7 years; violation can lead to licensing-board discipline.(Ind. Code § 16-39-7-1)

Minors and sensitive records

• Minors: Custodial and noncustodial parents have equal access to a child's health records unless a court order limits the noncustodial parent's access and the provider has a copy or actual knowledge of it. A provider may charge the requesting parent for extra expense of providing equal access.(Ind. Code § 16-39-1-7)

If a provider doesn't comply

• Indiana licensing complaint process (complaints against licensees filed with the director under IC 25-1-7)

  physicians and other licensed health professionals

• HHS Office for Civil Rights

  HIPAA violations by any covered entity, within 180 days

How to request your records in Indiana

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 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 Indiana hospital's records office, or browse hospitals in Indiana.

Common questions about Indiana medical records