Is a healthcare provider legally allowed to provide a copy of a patient's healthcare record to another individual upon request?

The correct answer is that a healthcare provider is required to provide a copy of a patient's healthcare record to another individual upon request, provided that the request meets certain legal and regulatory requirements. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), patients have the right to access their medical records and can request copies of those records. Healthcare providers are obligated to comply with these requests, ensuring that patients can obtain their information to exercise their rights regarding their own health.

However, there are specific guidelines around these requests, such as confirming the identity of the individual making the request when it involves sharing information with another person. This ensures that the patient's privacy is maintained and that the records are only shared with authorized individuals in accordance with HIPAA regulations. While it is common for providers to charge a fee for copying and providing these records, the legal obligation to provide access remains paramount.