Correction or Amendment of Your Health Information

Access & Disclosure

Everyone who receives treatment through Alberta Health Services has a health record. These records contain health information such as reports from health care providers, test results or information about medication. Health records can be paper, electronic or a combination of both.

If you believe there is a mistake, error, and/or omission in your health record, you may request a correction or amendment as per section 13 of the Health Information Act (HIA). Please follow the below process; no fee is required.

Step 1

Complete and sign the Request to Correct or Amend Health Information form and provide supporting documentation:

  • Documentation of evidence for evaluation
  • Include a clear copy of required identification (ID) to verify your identity

Note: if you are requesting on behalf of another person, they may be required to complete the Authorization of Health Information Act Representative form.

Step 2

Submit completed form with required supporting documentation by email or mail:

Email

chartcorrection@ahs.ca

Mailing address

HIM – Chart Correction
Walter C. Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre
0E1, 8440- 112 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Note: not supplying supporting documentation will delay the processing of your request.

If you would like to request correction of demographic information (e.g. your name, address, status, gender, or date of birth), you can request it through either of the methods above or directly from AHS the next time you receive health care services.

For additional information, please view our FAQ below. If you still have questions, please contact the Chart Correction Central Intake at chartcorrection@ahs.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Supporting Documentation?

In support of your request, you must also provide adequate proof or evidence for evaluation. Documentation required:

  • Document to support the requested correction or amendment. For example, x-ray reports, laboratory tests or documents showing a medical diagnosis might be needed to prove certain medical conditions exist. 
  • If possible, a copy of the record containing the error as this will aid in processing the request.

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How do I Verify My Identity?

When you request correction or amendment of health information for yourself or another person, you need to show proof of your identity. Below is a list of acceptable identification (ID).

  • You need to include one piece of photo ID or two pieces of non-photo ID. If the copies of your ID are not clear, you will be asked to send in another, clearer copy. 
  • Copies of your ID will be destroyed in a confidential, secure manner once your request is processed.

Accepted Documents for Primary Identification (Photo ID)

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Valid Passport
  • Canadian Citizenship Card
  • Canadian Permanent Resident Card
  • The Secure Certificate of Indian Status 
  • Valid Alberta Student Identification Card
  • Provincial/Territorial Health Care Card (with photo)
  • Federal, Provincial or Territorial Government issued Identification with photograph)

Accepted Documents for Secondary Identification (Non-photo ID)

  • Birth Certificate
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Legal Change of Name Certificate
  • Final Divorce Certificate
  • Citizenship or Immigration Status Document
  • Certified Copy of the Court Order for Name Change
  • Court of Queen’s Bench Adoption Order
  • Provincial/Territorial Health Care Card (without photo)

Documents used to support identity must be current and not expired and include your full name. Initials are not acceptable.

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What Should I Consider When Submitting a Correction or Amendment Request?

  • We cannot remove health records created by an AHS health care professional such as your physician, nurse, etc. You may only request correction or amendment of health information.
  • Determine who created the health information as AHS will only process HIA Correct or Amend requests of health information created by AHS staff or Medical staff.
  • A statement of personal opinion will not be considered as supporting documentation or objective evidence.
  • A HIA requests to correct or amend health information may be denied based on the professional opinion made by the health service provider. As defined in section 13(6)(a) of the Health Information Act, a professional opinion is:
    • That of either a professional opinion or observation;
    • That of a health services provider; and
    • The professional opinion or observation must be about the applicant.

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How long does it take to process a Correction or Amendment Request? 

Requests to Correct or Amend health information are usually processed within 30 calendar days from the date we receive your request.

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