How many days does an office have to provide a patient a copy of their records upon request?

In California, the law requires that a dental practice must provide a patient with a copy of their dental records within a specific timeframe upon request. The correct timeframe is 15 days. This is established to ensure that patients have timely access to their health information, which is vital for continuity of care and personal health management.

This period is designed to facilitate the patient's ability to make informed decisions regarding their dental health and to seek further treatment or consultations if necessary. The 15-day requirement strikes a balance between allowing dental offices enough time to prepare these records thoroughly while ensuring that patients do not face undue delays.

Understanding this timeframe is crucial for both practitioners and patients. Practitioners need to be aware of their legal obligations, while patients should be informed of their rights regarding access to their personal health records.