How to Request Medical Records for an Inmate at Fountain Correctional Center
Need medical records for someone at Fountain Correctional Center? The request goes through the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) Office of Health Services—not the prison itself. The key is using the correct release form and filling it out completely.
You'll need to complete the ADOC health records release form (officially called the
Tip: Before you hit send, double-check the recipient email address and keep a copy of the signed form and the sent email for your records.
Some parts of a health file won’t be released unless the form includes expressed consent for them. On the ADOC health records release form, HIV-related information (testing, diagnosis, and/or treatment for HIV/AIDS) is one of the categories that requires that extra, explicit permission - so make sure it’s clearly authorized if you need it included.
The same “expressed consent” rule applies to records related to sexually transmitted diseases. If your request involves STD testing, diagnosis, or treatment information, the authorization has to specifically cover it, or that portion may be withheld.
Mental health documentation is also treated as sensitive. If you need psychiatric or other mental health treatment records, the release form must show expressed consent for those records to be shared.
Drug and/or alcohol use treatment records require expressed consent as well. If you’re requesting anything related to substance use history, counseling, or treatment, make sure your authorization covers that category.
- ✓ HIV status and treatment (HIV/AIDS testing, diagnosis, and/or treatment)
- ✓ Sexually transmitted diseases status and treatment
- ✓ Psychiatric disorders/mental health records
- ✓ Drug/alcohol history and counseling
Pay attention to timing. A signed authorization to release health records is valid for one year from the date it’s signed, so older paperwork may need to be completed again.
The person who signed the authorization can revoke it at any time, but the revocation has to be made in writing. One important limit: revoking the authorization won’t undo disclosures that were already made in reliance on the authorization.
Also plan for possible costs. State law allows ADOC to charge a reasonable fee for producing these medical records.
Practical Tips
- ✓ Include clear contact information so the Office of Health Services can reach you if something is missing
- ✓ Be specific about what you’re requesting (which records and what date range) so the request can be reviewed without back-and-forth
- ✓ Keep a copy of the signed release form and the email you sent to ohs.medicalrecords@doc.alabama.gov
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