Obtaining medical records
What is a medical record?
We all have a medical record, which is also called a health record. This document is a detailed account of your health care over time. It includes your medical history, treatments, test results, diagnoses, and prescribed medications. Health professionals use this information to guide your care.
According to the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) in Nova Scotia, you have a right to access your medical records and you can request access at any time.
The College does not store patient medical records, but we do have professional standards for the management of the medical records.
Who manages and stores medical records?
A physician, a regulated health professional, a health authority or a licensed continuing care facility can be considered the custodian, or owner of your medical record. The custodian is responsible for the management and storage of patient medical records.
If your health-care provider (such as a family physician or podiatrist) is the custodian, they are responsible for storing your medical record. If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen your health-care provider, and you aren’t sure if they are still in practice, you can use our registrant search function. Simply type in your health-care provider’s name to find out if they are still practising and where.
If your health-care provider is closing their practice, they are responsible for making sure your medical record is stored safely. There are a number of places your medical record might be stored.
- Your health-care provider might choose to remain the custodian and store their patients medical records themselves. Or they may choose to use a medical record storage facility.
- If your health-care provider worked in a clinic with other physicians, they may transfer custodianship of medical records to the clinic.
- If your health-care provider is passing their practice to a new provider, your medical records would transfer to that person.
Read more about what happens when a physician closes their practice.
If you cannot locate your records, call the College’s Public Support Advisor at 902-421-2201 or use the form below to send a message. We are happy to help you locate your medical record.
Looking for additional medical records?
If you're looking for records related to care (including bloodwork, tests, or diagnostics) that was provided in a hospital or a Nova Scotia Health clinic or IWK clinic or facility, you must reach out to Nova Scotia Health or IWK.
In 2025, Nova Scotia Health created a website and an app called YourHealthNS, which helps you access certain medical records, such as a list of your immunizations, medications, appointments, lab results, etc.
If you are looking for records related to care provided at a licensed continuing care facility, you will need to reach out to the facility directly to inquire about obtaining a copy of your record.
If you’re looking for records related to a primary care provider who was a nurse practitioner, you’ll have to call the Nova Scotia College of Nursing.
If you’re looking for a record of your vaccinations or immunizations, Public Health should be able to help you. Public Health is a division of Nova Scotia Health that deals specifically with immunizations and vaccinations.
If your family doctor provided vaccinations or immunizations, it is possible that they did not give that information to Public Health. If Public Health does not have information about shots your doctor gave, please contact us and we will do what we can to help.
How long are medical records kept?
Physicians in Nova Scotia are required by law to keep your medical record for 10 years after your last visit to your doctor.
For minors, the record must be kept for 10 years after the patient turns 19.
This means that if your relationship with your doctor ends, you should have your record transferred to a new health-care provider or get a copy of your record within 10 years.
Fees for accessing medical records
According to PHIA, you do not need to pay for your medical record to be transferred directly from one regulated health professional to another, unless you are provided with a copy.
However, if your medical record is with someone who is not a physician or if it is stored with a medical records storage facility, it is common and acceptable for custodians to charge fees when you request your medical records. These fees cover costs such as staff time, photocopying, paper, ink, digital storage devices, and postage.
PHIA provides a Fees Fact Sheet to explain what reasonable fees look like.
Have questions?
For inquiries relating to accessing medical records please contact us.
Phone: 902-421-2201