This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: oonas89 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.stanislaus/6391.1.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I contacted the California State Archives in Sacramento who I knew had a collection from different time periods for the State Hospital, and I found out that my g.g.grandfather was actually on the payroll as a assistant cook, not a patient as I perviously thought. As far as the confidentiality laws, the medical records of your relative have to be at least 75 years old before they can release them to you. I had to request them to look this info up twice. The first inquiry was to see if he was admitted to the hospital: NO. The second inquiry was to see if he was on the payroll: YES! The researcher actually called me and told me he found something, then sent out a copy of the payroll sheet. I have yet to find any more validated records on him, but at least it's a start! Good luck with your searching. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.