Is there a time restriction when requesting medical records of the deceased?

Question:

Is there a time restriction when requesting medical records of the deceased?

I need medical records of my mother who passed away in 1985. A death certificate will not provide a complete medical history which is what I need. Any tips or advice on the best way to go about this? I know the hospital where she passed but it has been 22 years and the hospital is no longer the "family " hospital it once was. It is now a huge huge multi-floor facility and I am afraid they probably would have tossed the records after a certain number of years.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Best thing is to call Medical Records in that hospital before you do anything and ask them the procedure. Hopefully there will be a "Release of Medical Information" and your name is on it. If not whoever (if that's you) was Executor of the Estate has to provide documentation (Death Certificate + Proof of Executorship) to get them to release the records. Good luck.