Final answer:
The statement is true; patients have the right to access their medical records under HIPAA and cannot be denied a copy due to nonpayment of fees. Healthcare providers can charge a fee, but must still provide access to the information.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement, "It is illegal for a patient to be denied a copy of his chart if he is unable to pay the fee to obtain it," is true. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients have the right to access their health information, including medical records. While a healthcare provider can charge a reasonable, cost-based fee for the labor and supplies associated with copying the medical records, they cannot deny access due to nonpayment of these fees.
It is imperative that healthcare providers comply with HIPAA regulations to avoid legal repercussions and to ensure patient rights are upheld. Understanding patient rights is critical for anyone working within the medical field, and this includes respecting the legalities around the accessibility of personal health information.