What right does the Privacy Rule give patients regarding their medical records?

The Privacy Rule, established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), grants patients specific rights regarding their medical records. One of the fundamental rights it provides is the ability for patients to obtain a copy of their medical record. This access is crucial as it empowers patients to be actively involved in their healthcare management by allowing them to review their personal health information, understand their medical history, and ensure the accuracy of the data contained in those records.

This right is significant not only for patient autonomy and transparency but also for enabling informed decision-making regarding treatment options. Patients can request copies of their medical records from their healthcare providers, and providers are required to comply with such requests within a specified timeframe. In contrast, the other choices—destroying, selling, or modifying medical records—do not align with the established rights under the Privacy Rule. These actions could compromise the integrity of medical records, violate legal standards, and undermine patient rights and privacy protections.