Administrative & LegalQuestion 93 of 100
A patient requests a copy of their complete medical record to take to a specialist. What is the correct process?
a.Hand over the original paper chart, since the information belongs to the patient
b.Refuse, because records may never leave the practice
c.Fax the record to any office the patient names without documentation
d.Have the patient complete a signed written authorization, then release a copy according to office policy
Explanation
Patients have a right to access their health information, but release requires a signed authorization and the practice provides a copy while retaining the original, which is the property of the provider or facility. Handing over the original leaves the practice without its legal record. Refusing access outright or transmitting records without documented authorization both create compliance problems.
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