How to consult a file or obtain information contained in it

Contact the Archives department at the facility where the user received care or services for all requests for access to information in the file.

Please note that there may be a delay in responding to the request and that charges may apply, depending on the type of request and the number of documents requested.

Written request

The request must be in writing, signed and up to date. It must specify the nature and dates of the information requested.

You can use the official access to information request form (complete and sign the form).

Can a patient consult their own file?

For an on-site consultation, the patient must make an appointment by contacting the Archives department at the facility where they received the care or services.

During this consultation, which can last for a maximum of one hour, the patient is assisted by a medical archivist. 

Can I get a certificate confirming my visit?

Yes, by contacting the Archives department in the facility where you received your care or services.

How can I obtain radiological films or copies of them?

You must contact the Medical Imagery Department directly.

When a patient dies, who can have access to their file?

The heirs, an individual heir, the legal representatives and the beneficiaries of a life insurance policy have the right to receive information, as long as this communication is necessary to the exercise of their rights in this matter. They must clearly justify their need for information and provide all documents required (e.g., will, insurance policy, etc.) when requesting access to the information contained in the deceased person’s file. 

Who can obtain a cause of death form?

The legal or common law spouse, relatives in the ascending or descending line, legal heirs and beneficiaries of a life insurance policy, upon presentation of proof such as a birth certificate, marriage contract, notarized will, insurance policy, etc. 

How can I obtain a cause of death form?

You must make a written request to the Archives department. You will be given a photocopy of the Death Certificate (SP-3). The original of this document is sent to the Institut de la statistique du Québec. It includes:

• identification of the deceased person;
• the date and time of death;
• the cause of death;
• the doctor’s signature.

This document is not an official civil status document such as a certificate or a copy of an Act of Death. These can only be obtained from the Directeur de l’État civil. 

How can I obtain a death certificate?

You must make a written request to the archives department detailing your relationship to the deceased person. A document signed by the medical archivist will be given to you containing the identification of the deceased person as well as the date and time of death.

This document is not an official civil status document such as a certificate or a copy of an Act of Death. These can only be obtained from the  Directeur de l’État civil.

How can an autopsy report be obtained?

If it was done by a coroner, you must go to the Bureau du coroner. If not, you can contact the archives department.

Please note that only the person who signed the authorization for the autopsy can obtain a copy.