decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2016 Issue 2 (February)
8 tips to handle patient requests for records without violating HIPAA
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Article Overview
This article covers recent HHS Office for Civil Rights guidance on patient access to medical records under HIPAA and the operational steps practices should consider to reduce compliance risk. It is aimed at providers, practice managers, compliance staff, and billing or records personnel who handle requests for copies of records, including requests involving personal representatives, business associates, timing, fees, and documentation practices.
Why This Topic Matters
Patient access requests are a common HIPAA compliance issue, and the article outlines the regulatory expectations and administrative practices that can help organizations respond appropriately while limiting enforcement risk.
Article Sections
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Overview of OCR guidance and enforcement focus
Introduces the recent federal guidance on patient access to records and the increased enforcement attention around compliance. It frames why the topic is receiving renewed scrutiny.
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Major components of OCR’s road map
Summarizes the main categories of HIPAA access guidance discussed in the article, including eligibility, scope of records, timing, format, fees, and third-party directions.
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Take these steps to comply with HIPAA
Reviews operational considerations for practices, including record handling, internal procedures, business associates, documentation, and related privacy notice practices.
What You Will Learn
- How HIPAA patient access guidance affects medical records requests
- What operational areas practices should review for compliance
- How requests involving third parties and personal representatives are discussed at a high level
- Why timing, format, fees, and documentation processes matter in records access workflows
Who Should Read This
- Physicians and practice owners
- Practice managers
- Compliance officers
- Medical records staff
- Billing and administrative staff
- Healthcare attorneys
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