Office Administrative Assistant Practice Exam

Who ultimately decides whether a medical record can be released?

1. The physician

2. The patient's family

3. The healthcare facility's administrator

4. The patient

The correct answer is: The patient

The correct answer is that the patient ultimately decides whether a medical record can be released. This is grounded in the principles of patient autonomy and confidentiality. Patients have the right to control who accesses their personal health information, as protected by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. This legal framework ensures that any disclosure of medical records requires patient consent, allowing them to determine which individuals or entities may receive information regarding their health. While healthcare providers, such as physicians, may have a role in advising patients on the implications of releasing their records, the final decision rests with the patient. Family members may have input or may act on behalf of an incapacitated patient, but generally, the patient’s consent is necessary for any release of medical records. Similarly, although a healthcare facility's administrator may oversee organizational policies regarding record handling, the authority to release patient records still lies with the patient.