Question

Choose the answer that best describes a patient's right of access under HIPAA.

a. Is subject to a fee that enables a Covered Entity to profit from responding to a patient's request for Protected Health Information.
b. Is unreviewable under all circumstances.
c. The right of access is absolute and unlimited.
d. Encompasses the right to inspect and copy Protected Health Information, but is subject to limitations.

Answer 1

The patient's right of access under HIPAA encompasses the right to inspect and copy Protected Health Information, but is subject to limitations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The answer that best describes a patient's right of access under HIPAA is d. Encompasses the right to inspect and copy Protected Health Information, but is subject to limitations.

A patient has the right to access and examine their own medical records, including requesting copies of the records. However, this right is subject to certain limitations and conditions, such as the need to protect the privacy and confidentiality of other individuals mentioned in the records or the need to protect national security or public health.

For example, if a patient requests access to their medical records and the records contain information about another individual who has not provided consent for their information to be disclosed, the healthcare provider may need to redact or withhold that portion of the record to protect the privacy rights of the other individual.

Similarly, if the patient's records contain sensitive information that could pose a risk to national security, the healthcare provider may need to withhold or limit access to certain portions of the record.

Ultimately, while a patient has the right to access their medical records, this right is not absolute and can be subject to reasonable limitations to protect the privacy, confidentiality, and security of all individuals involved.