Guidelines Regarding Medical Records

The privacy of medical records is a valid concern for most patients, yet most are confused on the guidelines and laws. There are federal laws that safeguard a patient's rights, including the health insurance portability and accountability act of 1996, also known as HIPPA. This law protects the privacy of patient medical records, gives patients more rights regarding the information, and also permits patients to disclose that information to others if they so choose.

Following the Law

• Providers of health insurance and health care plans, healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, billing) all must follow this law. This also includes plans covered by the government. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, these are considered covered entities.

Not Following the Law

• There are, however, many companies that have patient information that do not have to follow the law. These are life insurance companies, employers, schools, child protective agencies, law enforcement and municipal offices.

Protected Information

• Protected information includes records acquired by doctors, nurses and health care providers such as hospitals. This also includes any conversations, insurance and billing.

Safeguarding Information

• All entities mush have safeguards in place to protect patient information, including limiting the minimum information that is seen, training employees and providing disclosure information.

Patient Rights

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services states that patients have the right to request copies of their health care records, update or change information, and receive notices on how information will be used. Patients also have the right to file complaints with the health care provider, insurance company or United States government.