No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveHigh Court Orders Fast Access to Med Files

High Court Orders Fast Access to Med Files

The nation’s

Constitutional Court

(Sala IV) recently ruled that families have the right to immediately receive copies of their loved ones’ medical records.

According to a court press release, the Social Security Administration, also known as La Caja, had been stonewalling providing medical records to two individuals – last names Alfaro and Sandoval.

Alfaro had been trying on behalf of her husband to get his records for months from the San Juan de Dios hospital in San José so he could get a second opinion on his gallstones.

Sandoval wanted the medical records of her mother, who passed away in the EBAIS hospital in San José earlier this year.

The

Constitutional Court

emphasizes that medical records are to be kept confidential from everyone except patients and their family members.

“There is no doubt that medical files are confidential, considering the sensitive and private data they contain” the ruling states.

“However, the confidential nature isn’t sufficient enough to restrict the patient’s own consultation nor to deny the medical records to children of the deceased.”

 

Popular Articles

Guatemala Rejects Jailed Journalist Zamora’s Appeal

Guatemala's Supreme Court rejected on Thursday an appeal by journalist José Rubén Zamora to reverse the order that sent him back to jail two...

Miami Open 2025: Eala Upsets Swiatek, Eyes Title in Semifinals

Teenage sensation Alexandra Eala of the Philippines shocked the tennis world toppling World No. 2 Iga Swiatek 6-2, 7-5 in the Miami Open quarterfinals...

Barrio Dogs: The Street-Smart Canines of Costa Rica

In a quiet neighborhood in Costa Rica, a daily drama unfolds when local street dogs leave unwelcome deposits outside one homeowner's gate. While his...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait

Latest Articles