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Who do I ask if I want more information on a family member or loved one who was a patient at a state hospital?
It is recommended that you personally contract the State Hospital wherein your family member or loved one may have been a patient, either in writing or by phone-call, and make your request for information. Please see hospital contact information.
What information can I receive about a loved one that is currently in a state hospital, or used to be in a state hospital?
Unfortunately, due to state and federal confidentiality laws, information that can be disclosed is strictly limited. In most cases, these confidentiality laws prevail over any request for patient records from an entity, including family member, other than the patient him/herself, even if the patient is deceased.
- Welfare and Institutions Code 5328
To reach this link, go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/ and check Welfare and Instituitions Code, then enter 5328 in the search box. Then press the "Search" button. Select the file titled "Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5325-5337, then scroll down to 5328.
- Welfare and Institutions Code 6254 (c) and (k)
- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), 45 CFR 164 Subpart E
To reach this link, go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/ and type 45cfr164 under "Quick Search". Then press the "Submit" button. Scroll down to number 44, and select TEXT or pdf.
What if the state hospital is closed?
Some of the state hospitals have been closed over the years, but records are still maintained from each facility. Please see the listings below of where records are currently being maintained:
| Closed Hospital or Developmental Center | Hospital Where Records are Currently Maintained |
|---|---|
|
Fairview Developmental Center 2501 Harbor Boulevard Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Primary Contact: Elena Virdrio 714-957-5257 Phone: 714-957-5100 (main) Fax: 714-957-5650 |
|
Napa State Hospital 2100 Napa-Vallejo Highway Napa, CA 94558-6293 Phone 707-253-5000 |
|
Metropolitan State Hospital 11400 S. Norwalk Blvd. Norwalk, CA 90650 Phone: 562-863-7011 Fax: 562-864-4560 |
What if I don’t know which state hospital my family member or loved one is/was in?
Due to state and federal confidentiality laws, the Department of Mental Health is not permitted to tell you which hospital your family member or loved one is, was, or may have been located. It is best to contact the State Hospital(s) with your inquiries and information that is allowable will be disclosed to you.
What if my relative or loved one is/was not in a state hospital?
If your family member or loved one was not a patient at a State Hospital, the Department of Mental Health will not have any medical records. However, records may be available in the county of residence where your relative or loved one last received mental health services. View this listing of county mental health programs to locate the contact information for the county of interest to you.