§ 993 [Holder of Physician-Patient Privilege Defined]

This rule explains who has the right to control the privacy of medical information shared between a patient and their doctor. This person is called the "holder of the privilege," and they get to decide whether that private medical information can be shared or kept confidential in a legal case.

If the patient can make their own decisions, the patient is the holder of the privilege. This means the patient controls their own medical privacy rights. But if the patient has a guardian or conservator, meaning someone legally appointed to make decisions for them, that guardian or conservator becomes the holder instead. This might happen if the patient is a minor or is unable to make decisions due to a disability.

If the patient has died, the right to control this medical privacy passes to the patient's personal representative. This is usually the person handling the patient's estate, like an executor. This ensures that someone can still protect the patient's private medical information even after death.