Medical Forensic Records

DCFNE uses a secure, encrypted system called Forensic Electronic Medical Record (FEMR) to document medical forensic care. All records pertaining to the patient encounter - whether electronic, written, or audio recorded (ex. - voicemail) - are uploaded to FEMR and stored indefinitely. This system is separate from hospital records to protect patient confidentiality. FEMR meets strict privacy and security standards, including HIPAA compliance and federal security guidelines (FIPS and NIST).

Unless required by law, DCFNE does not share, disclose, or confirm the existence of medical forensic records without a patient’s express consent.

Instructions for Patients Requesting Their Own Record

All patients reserve the right to request a copy of their medical forensic record and may submit requests to records@dcfne.org. DCFNE will contact you to verify the request and have you sign the Information Release Form.

Instructions for Third Parties Requesting Patient Records

Please note, DCFNE only fulfills third-party requests when a valid, signed DCFNE Information Release Form is on file.

To request a patient’s medical records, follow these steps:

• Submit the request via email to records@dcfne.org. Requests should include the patient’s name, date of birth, and date of exam (or range of dates).

• DCFNE will verify that a signed DCFNE Information Release Form is on file.

• In the absence of a signed release, DCFNE will attempt to contact the patient and obtain consent electronically before responding to the request.

• Once consent is verified, the requestor will receive a login to FEMR and electronic access will be granted on a temporary basis.