Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Practice Exam

When a patient is transferred to another facility, what is the status of access to their medical records by the receiving facility?

1. Access is always permitted

2. Access is not permitted under HIPAA

3. Access is permitted only if the patient agrees

4. Access is based on the hospital's policy

The correct answer is: Access is not permitted under HIPAA

The correct answer reflects the importance of patient privacy and confidentiality under HIPAA regulations. When a patient is transferred to another facility, access to their medical records does not automatically get granted. HIPAA emphasizes that a patient's information is protected and that consent must be obtained, either through a clear agreement by the patient or as part of the transfer process if the transfer is necessary for treatment. Access to medical records generally requires proper authorization to ensure the patient's rights are upheld. The previous healthcare provider must ensure that the receiving facility has the right to access those records, which often requires the patient’s written consent. This framework is crucial to safeguarding personal health information and ensuring it is shared only with appropriate professionals for legitimate health care purposes. The options related to constant access or hospital-only policy do not account for patient rights and the specific requirements set in place by HIPAA. Thus, the receiving facility must comply with these regulations before accessing the patient's medical records.