Access & Disclosure - Health Information Management

Below guides you in accessing the health information you require. If you have received treatment at a hospital or urgent care centre through Alberta Health Services (AHS), you have a health record. These records may include lab reports, consultations, diagnostic imaging, operative reports, and more.

If you require information from a walk-in clinic, medi-centre, or family physician, contact those facilities directly. To find a physician’s contact information, visit the Physician Directory - CPSA.

Accessing Health Information - Frequently Asked Questions

Accessing Other Health Information - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Still have questions or concerns?

For any questions regarding submitting a request for health information, email disclosure@ahs.ca.

If you want to share your feedback regarding healthcare services or other support services you or a family member has received, or if you have any other concerns that could not be addressed by our team, you can contact the Patient Relations Department.

Accessing Health Information - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view my health information electronically?

MyChart is a secure, online tool to access your AHS health information. For detailed information on MyChart and how to sign up, read Getting Ready for MyChart.

You may be able to obtain proxy access to the record of your youth or an adult who you are supporting. Visit MyChart Proxy Access for more information or speak to your AHS care provider.

Additional information can be found by visiting Connect Care Patients & Families.

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How do I request health information that is not available electronically?

Requests can be submitted online using your MyChart account or by manually submitting a form.

MyChart

  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Click Menu.
  3. Scroll to Sharing and select Sharing Hub.
  4. Choose yourself and select Request a copy of health records.

For more information, read the MyChart User Guide.

Submission of identification is not needed. Additional documentation to support your authority may be required when applicable (e.g. requesting another individual’s health information).

Submit Form

If you do not have a MyChart account, follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Fill out the Health Information Access Request form.
  2. Complete all required areas of the form and sign.
  3. Attach a copy of the required identification. Click here for information on acceptable forms of ID.
  4. If requesting another individual's health information, include applicable supporting documentation (e.g., Guardianship Order, Power of Attorney, Grant of Administration, written authorization, etc.). For mor information regarding authorizations, visit Third Party Requesting Health Information.
    Note: If supporting documentation is unavailable or appropriate authority cannot be identified on the form, clearly indicate the purpose for the request, and the processing team will determine if the disclosure is permitted under the Health Information Act (HIA).
  5. Submit your request by:

Email: disclosure@ahs.ca
Fax: 1-855-935-0646
Mail:
Alberta Health Services, Room OE1.01
8440-112 Street
Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7
Attn: The Disclosure Help Line

Note: If you are a third party (such as a lawyer, insurance agent, law enforcement, healthcare provider, etc.) and need more information on how to submit a request for health information, read Can I provide authorization for someone to access my health information?

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What is the difference between submitting a formal versus informal request?

The health information you receive will be the same regardless of the option you choose. Records are released based on what is requested, not the process you selected.

Formal Process:

  • Urgent Requests: This process may not suit you if you need your health information on an urgent basis.
  • Fee Estimate: All requests have a minimum charge of $25. If the processing costs exceed $50 (about 600 pages), you'll receive an estimate that must be confirmed before we can begin processing your request.
  • Response Time: You have 20 days to accept the fee estimate or modify your request. If you don't take action within 30 days of receiving your estimate, your request will be abandoned and will need to be resubmitted if you still require the requested information.
  • Time Extensions: If we are not able to process your request within 30 calendar days, we can request a time extension.
  • Review Option: You can request a review of our decision by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.

Informal Process:

  • Avoid delays: The informal process has fewer rules and steps to follow, so requests can be processed quicker.
  • Fees: All requests have a minimum charge of $25. Fee estimates are provided by request only
  • Ease of Use: The informal process is generally easier to navigate, making it a more user-friendly option.

Section 35(1) Requests:

  • Requests under 35(1) of the HIA will automatically be processed as informal.

For more information, you can visit Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta.

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How long will it take to obtain copies of my health information?

Requests are processed as they are received. Processing time is impacted by the size and complexity and can take 2-4 weeks to complete.

If you require information urgently, specify the reason and date required on the request form. Our team will do our best to accommodate when information is needed to meet a deadline.

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Is there a fee?

A basic fee of $25.00 is applied to health information requests (formal and informal) as permitted by the Health Information Act (HIA).

If physical copies of information are being provided, the fee includes up to 100 printed pages. There may be other charges depending on the type of information requested, as outlined in the Fee Schedule of the Health Information Regulation of the HIA. Visit the Alberta Government website to view the full schedule.

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When do I pay for my health information?

Do not send pre-payment with your request.

An invoice with payment instructions will be included when copies of your health information have been provided to you.

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How will I receive my health information?

Health information will be sent using electronic delivery methods (e.g. MyChart, secure file transfer, encrypted email) whenever possible. This is often the fastest and most convenient way to receive your records.

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Can I provide authorization for someone to access my health information?

The Authorization of Health Information Act Representative form can provide written authorization to another individual to access your health information.

If you have a MyChart account, you can share your electronic health information through your account.

  1. Log in to your account.
  2. Click Menu.
  3. Scroll to Sharing and select Sharing Hub.
  4. Choose the individual you want to grant access to your health information and select the information you want to share.

For more information, read MyChart User Guide.

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What is required for identification?

When you request health information for yourself or another person, you must show proof of your identity. You must include one piece of photo identification (ID) or two non-photo IDs. If the copies of your ID are not clear, you will be asked to provide a legible copy. Copies provided will be destroyed in a confidential and secure manner. Requests submitted through your MyChart account do not require additional identification.

Accepted photo identification:

  • Driver's license including licenses issued from another province or country
  • Passports including passports issued from another country
  • Student ID cards including student ID cards issued from another country
  • Secured Certificate of Indian status or Certificate of Indian Status issued by the Canadian federal government
  • Canadian permanent resident card
  • Canadian citizenship card or proof of citizenship
  • Provincial/territorial/state health care card
  • Federal, provincial and/or territorial government-issued photo ID (e.g., military identification card, Alberta Registries ID card, employee ID badge)

Accepted non-photo identification:

  • Provincial/territorial/state health care card
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Citizenship/immigration status document (e.g. student permit, interim federal health certificate of eligibility, etc.)
  • Legal change of name certificate
  • Certified copy of the court order for a name change
  • Court of King's Bench adoption order

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Can I obtain health information about someone who is deceased?

We recognize that requesting health information after a death can be a difficult and emotional experience. Our team is here to support you and will do our best to guide you through the process while following the requirements of the Health Information Act (HIA).

The HIA outlines when health records of deceased individuals may be released and to whom. We require as much information as possible to determine if the disclosure is permitted under the act. When submitting your request, include supporting documentation whenever applicable (e.g., Will, Letter of Administration). If you are unable to provide supporting documentation or appropriate authority cannot be identified on the form, clearly indicate the purpose for the request, and the processing team will determine if the disclosure is permitted under the HIA.

Requests under section 35(1)(d.1) of the HIA will automatically be processed as informal, regardless of which option you select when you submit the Health Information Access Request form.

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How can I request corrections to the information in my health record?

If you believe there is incorrect information in your health record, you can request a correction or amendment to your health information. Visit Correction or Amendment of Your Health Information for more information or to access the form.

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