Every facility I've worked at has had the same policy: Patients/or other designated individuals may view the medical record at the hospital. The medical records will not be copied and distributed to these individuals until patient is discharged, and the request must be made in writing to assure that only the proper person is receiving the record.
BBM. Not in California. According to the mother's comments transcribed up thread, the hospital would not even let her see the medical records.
The federal Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) gives patients the right to obtain a copy of their medical records from any medical provider......in California, providers must allow patients to see their records within five days of the request and must provide copies of those records within fifteen days.
http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/getting-medical-records-information-rights-32220.html