Final answer:
Access to a patient's record after they have been transferred to a different section of the hospital is allowed if it pertains to the individual's direct involvement in the patient's care and follows patient privacy regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether or not you can access a patient's record after they have moved to another section of the hospital depends on the policies and regulations surrounding patient confidentiality and your specific role in the patient's care.
It is essential to respect patient privacy and adhere to HIPAA guidelines. In situations where you're directly involved in the patient's care, such as a surgeon, nurse, or anesthesia professional, and require information for the continuity of care, accessing the patient's record is generally permissible.
However, all healthcare professionals must ensure they are only accessing information that is necessary for them to perform their professional duties regarding patient care.
For example, if you were involved in treating a patient with gangrenous inflammation and infection, and they were transferred to the surgical unit where you initially met them, then following their progress would usually be part of the continuity of care, provided your intentions are to deliver or prepare for medical treatment.
In this case, discussing the key concerns for the patient's recovery and care is typically part of the healthcare team's collaborative efforts.