Art. 1465.1.Requests For Release of Medical Records
Book II. Ordinary Proceedings · Title III. Production of Evidence · Chapter 3. Discovery · Last amended 2016 · Last verified July 30, 2026
Full Text of Art. 1465.1
Amendment History
Amended by Acts 2016, No. 132, §1, eff. 8/1/2016. Acts 1993, No. 823, §1.
Plain-English Summary
Rather than serving a subpoena on a hospital or doctor's office, Article 1465.1 offers a more direct route to medical records: a request that the plaintiff, or any other party whose medical condition is at issue, sign a release authorizing a named health care provider to hand the records over to the requesting party. The release has to name a specific provider and is limited to records -- it can't authorize the provider to talk to the requesting party directly.
The party asked to sign has thirty days to provide the release, unless it objects and states its reasons; an unresolved objection sends the requesting party to Article 1469's motion to compel. Two disclosure obligations round out the article: the requesting party has to send the party whose records are sought (or that party's attorney) a copy of the request the moment it goes to the provider, and once records come back, the requesting party has seven days to turn over copies of everything it obtained.
Those two disclosure requirements keep the process from becoming one-sided. The party whose privacy is at stake always knows what was asked for and always sees what came back, even though someone else requested it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an opposing party's medical records in a Louisiana lawsuit?
Serve a request that the party sign a release addressed to a specific health care provider, authorizing that provider to send the records to you.
Can the release let the provider talk to me directly instead of just sending records?
No. The release is limited to the release of medical records and must state that it doesn't authorize verbal communications from the provider.
How long does the other party have to sign and provide the release?
Thirty days after service of the request, unless the party objects and states its reasons.
Do I have to share what I receive from the health care provider?
Yes. You must send the party whose records you sought a copy of the request when it goes to the provider, and a copy of everything you obtain within seven days of receiving it.