When a patient requests a copy of their electronic health record, what is the provider required to do under federal law?

Under federal law, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), when a patient requests a copy of their electronic health record, providers are required to provide access within the legally required timeframe. This timeframe is typically set at 30 days from the request date, with a possible extension of an additional 30 days if the provider notifies the patient of the delay. This regulation is grounded in the principle that patients have a right to access their health information, which is vital for transparency and empowering patients to engage in their own health care.

The requirement to provide access reinforces the importance of patient autonomy and the right to understand one’s own health data, allowing patients to review, share, or manage their information as needed. The law also provides specific guidelines on how this access should be granted, including format and delivery methods, ensuring that patients can receive their records in a manner that is accessible and useful to them.

This provision aims to enhance patient trust and foster better communication between patients and healthcare providers, acknowledging the role of patients in their own health management. The structure set by HIPAA prioritizes timely access to records while balancing the need for security and privacy of health information.