Can I take my chart home?
No, your medical record is property of St. Vincent's Medical Center and is the legal record of care provided to you. However, you may inspect or obtain copies of your record.

How long do you retain records?
Active charts are retained in active files for about two years. Inactive charts are retained off site for 25 years, in accordance with Connecticut Statutes. 

May I look at my family's medical record?
Unless you are the patient's legal guardian, you may not review a family member's record without a fully executed written Authorization for Disclosure of Protected Health Information (PDF) by the patient. 

Who can look at my record?
St. Vincent's Medical Center Medical Staff members may look at a patient's chart only if they are involved in the patient's care or if they need to look at the chart as an approved part of their job.
  
Employees are not allowed to access information on patients unless they need that information to perform their job.

Employees have training on how to protect patient information, whether that information is spoken, written or kept in a computer.

Patient information may only be released outside of St. Vincent's in accordance with law or with a valid authorization completed by the patient.

Who do I tell if my name has changed?
Contact the Patient Access Services Department after you have obtained a copy of the legal name change document (marriage certificate, adoption papers etc.).