Releasing medical records
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey filed a motion to mandate that the plaintiff authorize the release of all of his medical records preceding the accident in which he alleged he was injured.
Supreme Court directed that the plaintiff provide authorizations to release his medical records but limited the release of his medical records to the five years preceding the accident.
The Appellate Division affirmed the lower court’s order, holding that the Authority “failed to demonstrate that all plaintiff's pre-accident medical records were material and necessary in the defense of this action,” explaining that the plaintiff did not allege that the accident “aggravated or exacerbated a preexisting injury or condition.”
The decision is posted on the Internet at:
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/reporter/3dseries/2012/2012_07898.htm