# How fast must a California dentist respond to a records request?

> Use the California 5-working-day inspection rule and 15-day copies rule instead of generic HIPAA timing shortcuts.

Last verified: 2026-06-09
Reviewed by: Mahtab Mansour, DDS on 2026-04-25 (re-verification in progress)

## Direct answer
- Inspection is due within 5 working days after a proper written request.
- Copies are due within 15 days after the written request.
- A provider can use the summary route only in the narrow statutory lane; it does not erase the patient's broader access rights.

## Common trap
- Do not replace California's 5-day and 15-day rules with a general HIPAA access answer.

## Full guide
- [What are California dental records and confidentiality rules?](https://dentovio.com/guide/california-dentistry-law-ethics-exam/records-confidentiality/index.html.md): Use this guide when you need the California timelines and confidentiality rules that show up repeatedly on the Dental Law & Ethics exam.

## Focused answer page
- [Focused answer](https://dentovio.com/answers/glossary-how-long-to-respond-to-record-request/index.html.md): Short, source-bounded answer page for search and AI citation.
- [California law and ethics glossary answer topic](https://dentovio.com/answers/topic/california-law-ethics-glossary/index.html.md)

## Primary sources
- `A9` HSC section 123110 patient inspection, copies, form/format, fees, and unpaid-balance rule. <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=HSC&sectionNum=123110.>
- `A26` HSC sections 123111 and 123130 patient addendums and record summaries. <https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/>

## Next step
- [Take the free diagnostic](https://dentovio.com/free-practice-test)
- [See the paid California prep overview](https://dentovio.com/products/california-dental-law-ethics/index.html.md)

## Related glossary pages
- [Can a California dentist withhold records because the patient has an unpaid bill?](https://dentovio.com/guide/california-dentistry-law-ethics-exam/glossary/can-dentist-withhold-records-for-unpaid-bill/index.html.md)
- [Can the Dental Board of California demand records without ordinary patient-request timing?](https://dentovio.com/guide/california-dentistry-law-ethics-exam/glossary/can-dental-board-demand-records/index.html.md)