How to Request Your Loved One's Medical Records from ADOC (Authorization Steps & Fees)

Getting medical records from the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) starts with their official

The authorization lasts one year from the date it's signed - not indefinitely. Need to cancel it sooner? You can revoke the authorization at any time by submitting a written request to ADOC, the health contractor(s), or the institution.

1. Write a clear revocation - state that you are revoking the previously signed ADOC health records authorization and include identifying details from the original authorization.
2. Send it in writing to the right place - provide the revocation to ADOC, the ADOC health contractor(s), or the institution (any of these are listed on the form as acceptable recipients).
3. Keep copies for your records - save a copy of what you sent and when you sent it, in case you need to show that revocation was provided.

Expect potential fees. Alabama law allows ADOC to charge a reasonable amount for producing health records. If you're requesting a lot of records, ask about costs upfront so you're not caught off guard.

• ✓ What is the “reasonable fee” based on for my request?
• ✓ Is there a per-page copying charge, and does it change depending on record type?
• ✓ Are there added costs for mailing or delivery?
• ✓ If I only need certain dates or specific report types, can narrowing the request reduce the cost?
• ✓ How and when is payment handled (before or after production)?

1. Get the ADOC “Inmate Authorization for Release of Health Records” form - this is the authorization ADOC uses for health-record releases.
2. Decide exactly what you’re asking for - the form lets you select the types of records and a date range (“From Date” and “To”).
3. Call out any sensitive categories you need - if the request includes HIV-related records, psychiatric/mental-health records, or drug/alcohol treatment or counseling records, the form requires expressed consent for those categories.
4. Fill in the recipient details - list the name/agency and full address of the person or organization who should receive the records.
5. Sign and date the authorization - once signed, the authorization is valid for one year from that signature date.
6. Ask about fees before production - state law allows a reasonable fee for producing the records, so request an estimate (especially if you’re requesting a lot of pages or a long date range).
7. Submit the paperwork and keep a copy - keep a copy of the signed authorization (and any follow-up communication) so you can track what was requested and when.