How to request nursing home medical records
Reviewed by the Nursing Home Reporter editorial team
A plain-language overview of requesting charts, care plans, and incident reports from a nursing home.
Who can request records
Usually the resident, a legal guardian, or someone with appropriate authorization (such as a health-care power of attorney). Rules vary by state.
Make the request in writing
Send a dated letter or email listing the records you want: nursing notes, care plans, incident reports, medication administration records, wound assessments, and weights.
Keep a paper trail
Save delivery receipts and follow up if the facility delays. Note any fees they claim and ask for an itemized list.
Pair records with inspection history
Facility charts tell one story; CMS deficiencies and penalties tell another. Review both before a case review conversation.
- Not a law firm. We share CMS inspection data and connect interested families with a free case review.
- What happens next. A case-review specialist may follow up using the contact details you provide.
- Your choice. No obligation to hire anyone. Read the contact consent and Privacy Notice before submitting your request.
Ready for the next step? Request a free case review.
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Request a free case review
Answer a few questions. If you send a request, a case-review specialist may contact you. We are not a law firm.
Who will receive my information?
Nursing Home Reporter and its intake services receive your answers. We may share them with case-review or law-firm referral partners. Sending a request does not guarantee a lawyer or create an attorney-client relationship. Read our Privacy Notice.
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