Ok , now I am confused, My Aunt Susie works at a hospital and she is in California. My Mom's cousin works at the hospital where my dad died in Iowa. ************** Iowa: Ms. Stickney, This e-mail is in response to the e-mail you sent to Mr. Yerington. We will require your mother's signature on the release of information form as she is still the next of kin for your father (along with a copy of the obituary). Please feel free to forward your request to my attention and I will see that it is processed expeditiously. Deborah Thoman, MA, RHIA Director, Health Information Management University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Iowa City, Iowa 319-356-3200 ********** California: Mary, Just got off the phone with the head of Medical Records at the hospital that I work at. She said it goes like this: Next of Kin, which in your case would be the oldest living child (Robert John), if he/she cannot be found, then the next oldest, which would be Kelli and so on. They shouldn't be asking your Mother unless they possibly have misunderstood and think she hasn't remarried. That's what our medical records dept said. She also said they have no choice but to follow those rules. She thinks that maybe they just misunderstood and thinking your mother is still a widow. Your father's next of kin our his children. Hope this is helpful. Susie