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HomeEvidence CodeDiv. 8Ch. 4Art. 6§ 996 Patient Condition Disclosure Exceptions

§ 996 Patient Condition Disclosure Exceptions

Evidence Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 996 Patient Condition Disclosure Exceptions

Key Takeaways

  • •If a patient or someone connected to them brings up their health in a legal case, doctors can talk about it.
  • •This includes the patient themselves, family members, or anyone suing for the patient's injury or death.
  • •The rule applies in cases where someone is asking for money because the patient got hurt or died.

Example

A person gets hurt in a car crash and sues the other driver for money.

If the hurt person says their injuries are bad, the doctor can tell the court about their real condition, even without the patient’s permission.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 996 Patient Condition Disclosure Exceptions

There is no privilege under this article as to a communication relevant to an issue concerning the condition of the patient if such issue has been tendered by: (a) The patient; (b) Any party claiming through or under the patient; (c) Any party claiming as a beneficiary of the patient through a contract to which the patient is or was a party; or (d) The plaintiff in an action brought under Section 376 or 377 of the Code of Civil Procedure for damages for the injury or death of the patient. (Enacted by Stats. 1965, Ch. 299.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

privilegecommunicationcondition of the patientSection 376Section 377

Related Statutes

  • § 995 Physician Communication Privilege Claim
  • § 1000 Patient Communication Privilege Limits
  • § 1001 Physician-Patient Duty Breach
  • § 1002 Patient Intent Property Documents
  • § 1003 Deceased Patient Property Disputes

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 996.
View Official Source