Health Information Compliance Alert

READER QUESTION:

Avert A Minor Problem

Question: A minor patient requested a copy of his medical record. Would giving him access to the record be in violation of the privacy rule?


Kentucky Subscriber


Answer: "Not giving him access could be a violation," warns consultant Margret Amatayakul of Schaumburg, IL's Margret AConsulting. Your state statutes will determine the answer, she says.

"If the state is silent, use your professional judgment," Amatayakul advises. However, if state law says no, you absolutely must follow that, she warns.

Tip: Review sections of the privacy rule dealing with minors before you consult your state's guidelines so that you know exactly what you're looking for, Amatayakul counsels.

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