What are my rights here?

mgerallen

Hi,

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right forum, please redirect me if not.

I know there are a lot of expertise here though

I saw a counsellor for a number of years some time ago.

I want to get the case notes and dates of sessions. (I have a valid medical reason that I won't get into here. It's complicated but very valid).

The counsellor called me to say she wouldn't give me the case notes because they wouldn't make sense the way they are written. And she said she casn't just send out case notes.

She mentioned the freedom of information act but i would have to apply and she said that is a very long process.

She did suggest I come in and she could try help me out with it.

To be honest, I am a little annoyed at how discouraging she was when it comes to me having them and don't really want to meet her to discuss it because at this stage I want to make sense of it myself with information about dates etc.

Just wondering if anybody in the field could give their opinion on whether this is standard or if I have any hope for looking through this stuff on my own.

Would be grateul for any information on this matter.

Thanks

JuliusCaesar

This might be useful.

I don't know if whether she is working for the HSE or another organisation, or in private practice, makes a difference - but acconrding to that site, it does:

If you visit your GP as a private patient or attend a private (non-HSE funded) hospital, you can only get access by virtue of your contract with the medical service, or by court order.

Her professional body may be able to provide advice.

She may want to talk you through her notes as you might misinterpret what is written.

Enhtie

mgerallen wrote: »

Hi,

I'm not sure if I'm posting in the right forum, please redirect me if not.

I know there are a lot of expertise here though

I saw a counsellor for a number of years some time ago.

I want to get the case notes and dates of sessions. (I have a valid medical reason that I won't get into here. It's complicated but very valid).

The counsellor called me to say she wouldn't give me the case notes because they wouldn't make sense the way they are written. And she said she casn't just send out case notes.

She mentioned the freedom of information act but i would have to apply and she said that is a very long process.

She did suggest I come in and she could try help me out with it.

To be honest, I am a little annoyed at how discouraging she was when it comes to me having them and don't really want to meet her to discuss it because at this stage I want to make sense of it myself with information about dates etc.

Just wondering if anybody in the field could give their opinion on whether this is standard or if I have any hope for looking through this stuff on my own.

Would be grateul for any information on this matter.

Thanks

Some counsellors do keep their notes in shorthand. I think it is reasonable on her part to offer you the opportunity to meet with her and she can then address any questions you may have. I would advise that you prepare well in advance, making notes of what you would like to ask.

With regard to dates, you are perfectly entitled to request in writing a written receipt summarising the dates you attended and also the cost of each session. There should be no problem in obtaining the latter. This can also be of benefit to you in claiming back the money you have paid against tax on your Med 1 Form.

I hope this is of some help.

Odysseus

As noted it does depend on the where the person works, but on top of that I know if I believe the notes would do more harm than good I can hold back on them. I can't remember how it is worded in the FOI act but it states something along those lines.

Patients are generally disappointed when they see the actually notes, e.g. I will only put minimal information in notes merely as an aid to memory, when we hit material that is sensitive I may put something along the lines of "discussed historical material". It can help protect the patient, as they might not what certain stuff written down.

The offer of discussing the request is standard, and the therapist’s response seems standard too. Most of the requests that come into my service are for legal reasons. If you looking to see what dates you discussed certain things only you may find you will be disappointed as in most cases we cannot capture everything stated in a session.

Why not meet with the person and see how that goes.