As used in this article, the term:

(1) "Institution" shall have the meaning set forth in paragraph (1) of Code Section 31-7-1 and shall also include a psychiatric hospital as defined in paragraph (7) of Code Section 37-3-1.

(2) "Medical records" means all written clinical information which relates to the treatment of individuals when such information is kept in an institution.

(3) "Patient" means any natural person to whom information contained in medical records relates directly, whether or not the person has been discharged from the institution keeping medical records.