pasientbelegget

Pasientbelegget is the Norwegian term for a patient's medical record or file, which encompasses all clinical information pertaining to an individual's health care over time. It is a legally binding document that records diagnoses, treatments, laboratory results, medication prescriptions, imaging reports, and other relevant medical data. The record is maintained by health care institutions and may be in paper or electronic form, although the national shift toward electronic health records has made the majority of pasientbelegg digital.

The Norwegian Health Act and the Personal Data Act govern the creation, storage, and sharing of pasientbelegget. They ensure confidentiality, restrict access to authorized health professionals, and provide patients with the right to view and request copies of their records. In addition, the GDPR principles of data protection apply to the electronic retention of patient data within Norway and the European Economic Area.

Pasientbelegget is central to continuity of care: it allows physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals to make informed decisions, reduces duplication of tests, and facilitates interdisciplinary communication. When a patient transfers between facilities, the pasientbelegget is transferred in a secure manner, often via the regional health portal or through secure email channels.

With the digital era, Norway introduced the Elektronisk pasientjournal (EPJ) system, a national electronic patient record scheme intended to standardise data entry and improve interoperability across municipalities and providers. EPJ supports clinical decision support tools and integrates with national registries for research and public health monitoring.

The complete maintenance of pasientbelegget is under the responsibility of the institution that provides medical services, who must ensure data integrity, accuracy, and appropriate backup. Failure to properly document can result in legal consequences, including professional disciplinary actions and civil liability.