Wash. Rev. Code § 70.02.080

Patients’ Access to Health Care Records

A patient may submit a written request to examine or copy all or part of the patient's recorded health care information. A health care provider must, as promptly as required under the circumstances, but in no case later than 15 working days after receiving such request, take one of the following actions:

• Make the information available for examination during regular business hours;
• Provide a copy, if requested, to the patient;
• If the information does not exist or cannot be found, inform the patient;
• If the provider does not maintain a record of the information, inform the patient and provide the name and address of the health care provider who does maintain the record, if known;
• If the information is in use or unusual circumstances have delayed handling the request, inform the patient and specify in writing the reasons for the delay and the earliest date (no later than 21 working days after receiving the request), when the information will be available or when the request will be handled; or
• Deny the request, in whole or in part, under  and inform the patient.

A provider must provide an explanation of any code or abbreviation used in the health care information upon request. A provider may charge a reasonable fee for providing the health care information and is not required to permit examination or copying until the fee is paid.

Related Laws:  Wash. Rev. Code § 70.02.090; Wash. Admin. Code § 246-08-400