Continuity of care is critical for people with medical or mental health needs who are being released from incarceration. Although many correctional facilities facilitate care with community providers as part of discharge planning for people with serious health needs, health records are not routinely shared for all patients. NCCHC’s new position statement, Sharing of Patient Health Records Upon Release From Incarceration, seeks to close this gap by recommending the following:
- Update the “Release of Information” policy to include the person’s right to obtain a copy of their health record upon release
- Combine consent for treatment upon incarceration with an authorization to share health information to a community agency or provider upon release
- Respond to requests for information from community entities within 5 business days
- Waive the cost of sharing health records
- Use electronic health records for better legibility and thoroughness
- Partner with health information exchanges for seamless sharing of information
- Ensure that all sharing of patient health information complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
