Do I have a right to access my health record held by a private sector healthcare provider?

You have the right to access your personal health information held by your healthcare provider. In general, your healthcare provider cannot refuse to let you see the information in your file, except if they believe that the access may put you or someone else at risk.  

Typically, the easiest way to access your health records is to request access directly. Your healthcare provider will probably give you a chance to look at them without making a formal request under the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). You should be given a copy if you request one, but the service may cost a fee.  

If you do not want to informally request the records and your healthcare provider does not have a request system, then please submit a formal request to your healthcare provider. Please see the Office of the Information Commissioner for BC’s request template.  

In certain circumstances, your health care provider may refuse to let you see all your medical record. There are three exceptions detailed in PIPA:  

• if there is a health or safety risk in giving you the information 
• if doing so would reveal another individual’s personal information 
• if giving access would reveal the identity of someone who gave an opinion about you and the opinion-giver has not consented to their identity being disclosed 

Your request for access should not be refused unless your provider believes that one of these circumstances applies.  

If you believe your access to information or privacy rights has been violated, you can file for a review or complaint to the Office of the Information Privacy Commissioner for BC (OIPC). Generally, it is beneficial for all parties to try to resolve the issue directly before contacting the OIPC. 

For more information, please visit our health information resource or our complaints and reviews resource. 

Updated 2024.07. 27

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These pages were last updated and reviewed in the summer of 2024. 

The information on these pages only contains general information and guidance; none of the information constitutes legal advice. If you have a specific issue that you believe is a legal problem, the best practice is to consult a lawyer. 

The information is non-partisan, dynamic and ever changing. It is the result of FIPA’s research and public education programs.

If you note something that needs to be added, corrected, or removed, please contact us by email: fipa AT fipa.bc.ca.