Final answer:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its amendments, including the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), provide individuals with the right to access and obtain a copy of their protected health information (PHI) held by covered entities. This allows patients to review their medical records, correct any errors, and have a better understanding of their health data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and its amendments, including the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH), govern the access and copying of patient information. Under HITECH, individuals have the right to access and obtain a copy of their protected health information (PHI) held by covered entities, such as healthcare providers and health insurers. This allows patients to review their medical records, correct any errors, and have a better understanding of their health data.
When requesting access to information, patients can submit a written request to the covered entity, specifying the information they want to access. The covered entity has 30 days to respond to the request. If the requested information is maintained electronically, the patient may also request a copy of the information in an electronic format, which the entity must provide if feasible.
This access and copy right is important for patient empowerment and involvement in their healthcare decisions. It enables patients to take control of their health information, share it with other healthcare providers for better coordinated care, and ensure that their information is accurate and up-to-date.