When a patient requests to view their medical record, what is appropriate?

When a patient requests to view their medical record, what is appropriate?

• A. Provide access per policy, verify identity, respond within mandated timeframes, disclose as allowed by law.
• B. Refuse unless the patient asks in writing.
• C. Provide the full record immediately without verification.
• D. Require payment before access.

Answer: (A)

Patients have the right to view their own medical records under privacy laws. The appropriate response is to provide access in line with your facility’s policy and applicable law, verify the patient’s identity to prevent unauthorized disclosure, respond within mandated timeframes, and disclose only what the law allows. Verifying identity protects the patient’s information and ensures the right person is accessing the record. Time limits exist to ensure timely access, with many rules requiring a decision and release within a set period, often around 30 days, with possible extensions. Release should be handled securely—through copies or an online portal—and any permissible redactions or withheld items explained under the law. Fees for copying may apply, but the patient’s right to access should be honored rather than requiring writing or releasing without verification.

Patients have the right to view their own medical records under privacy laws. The appropriate response is to provide access in line with your facility’s policy and applicable law, verify the patient’s identity to prevent unauthorized disclosure, respond within mandated timeframes, and disclose only what the law allows. Verifying identity protects the patient’s information and ensures the right person is accessing the record. Time limits exist to ensure timely access, with many rules requiring a decision and release within a set period, often around 30 days, with possible extensions. Release should be handled securely—through copies or an online portal—and any permissible redactions or withheld items explained under the law. Fees for copying may apply, but the patient’s right to access should be honored rather than requiring writing or releasing without verification.