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	S.A. Sex Abuse Victim Says Church Has His Missing Medical Records By Jessica Silva San Antonio Express-News August 13, 2007 http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA081307.missingrecords.KENS.30a0ab6d.html Local victims of the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal say their nightmare is far from over. After all the allegations came out into the open, the church agreed to pay for victims' therapy to help in the healing process. But now, they're medical records have disappeared. "It would help me to read over what I have been through, to accept it, to finally realize that, 'Yeah, it did happen to me,' and to try to get past it," said a victim of sexual abuse identified only as Richard. But Richard cannot look over the notes of his therapy session because they are missing. For eight months, he saw a doctor recommended to him by the church. "Dr. Lopez had me sign a statement allowing the church to receive copies," Richard said. Richard then went to another doctor, with whom he was able to recount his entire experience. He was quickly transferred to another doctor, who informed Richard in a letter that he would "act as a custodian of all his therapy records." However, when Richard asked to see his file, it wasn't produced. In a handwritten letter, his former therapist said he has "no knowledge as to what may have happened" to the file, leaving Richard to think the church doesn't want him to see his record. The Archdiocese of San Antonio said that's not the case. "That relationship between the patient and the therapist is sacred, and it's confidential. And that's why we might pay the bills, but we don't ask for the records. It wouldn't be appropriate," said Deacon Pat Rodgers, with the Archdiocese. "Why do they want that? Why would they want a HIPPA form, you know, for what? What reason is HIPPA? To disclose information, legally. They now legally have it, and they refuse to give it," Richard said. KENS 5 spoke with one other victim, who claims she was also abused. She didn't want to go on camera but gave KENS 5 copies of several letters she sent to the church asking for her file. She said she has yet to see it.
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