Question

A copy of a patient's records needs to be submitted to a court in relation to a case. The

district attorney calls the healthcare provider's office and asks for the records. When will the
medical assistant release the records?
When a family member signs a release
After obtaining written permission from the patient
After obtaining a witnessed signature from a lawyer
When written permission from the healthcare provider is completed

Answer 1

The medical assistant should release patient records to a court only after obtaining written permission from the patient or if a subpoena or court order is issued.

Step-by-step explanation:

The medical assistant should release the records after obtaining written permission from the patient because under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), strict confidentiality of patient records is required. There may be an exception if the court issues a subpoena or court order, which would legally compel the healthcare provider to release the records without the patient's direct permission.

Without a subpoena, the patient's explicit consent is generally required to release medical information, which is typically documented by a signed HIPAA release form. The actual process of releasing records may differ across jurisdictions and specific legal circumstances, so it is always recommended to seek legal counsel when there is any doubt.