Private Practice Revises Process to Provide Access to Records

Covered Entity: Private Practices

Issue: Access

A private practice failed to honor an individual’s request for a complete copy of her minor son’s medical record. OCR’s investigation determined that the private practice had relied on state regulations that permit a covered entity to provide a summary of the record. OCR provided technical assistance to the covered entity, explaining that the Privacy Rule permits a covered entity to provide a summary of patient records rather than the full record only if the requesting individual agrees in advance to such a summary or explanation. Among other corrective actions to resolve the specific issues in the case, OCR required the covered entity to revise its policy. In addition, the covered entity forwarded the complainant a complete copy of the medical record.

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