Who is entitled to access a deceased patient's medical records?

The correct response is that the executor or personal representative of a deceased patient's estate is entitled to access the medical records. This entitlement is grounded in legal principles that recognize the rights of the executor or personal representative to manage the deceased's affairs, including handling the medical records as part of their responsibilities. These individuals are usually appointed through a will or by a court and have the authority to make decisions regarding the deceased's estate, which extends to accessing necessary information for settling any financial or legal matters, including medical records.

Access to medical records is subject to laws protecting the confidentiality and privacy of patient information, which carry over even after death. The executor or personal representative must often demonstrate a legitimate reason for requesting these records, usually relating to the administration of the estate or resolving claims.

Other individuals, like friends and family members, typically do not have the right to access medical records without proper authorization from the executor or a legally established relationship. Therefore, their access is limited, emphasizing the importance of having a designated personal representative for such situations. Similarly, while healthcare providers involved in the patient's care may have a vested interest in the patient's medical history, their access to records post-mortem is also limited compared to that afforded to a legally appointed executor. Lastly, the healthcare