Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

What right does the Privacy Rule give patients regarding their medical records?

1. To amend their medical records

2. To access their medical record

3. To restrict access to their records

4. To have their records transferred to any facility

The correct answer is: To access their medical record

The Privacy Rule, established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensures that patients have certain rights concerning their medical records. The correct choice highlights one of the fundamental rights granted to individuals: the right to access their medical records. This means that patients have the ability to review and obtain copies of their health information held by healthcare providers, which promotes transparency and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their care. Accessing medical records is crucial for patients to understand their health status, treatment plans, and any inaccuracies that may exist. The other options listed pertain to additional rights under the Privacy Rule or other regulations but do not encompass the core right of access. For instance, while patients can request amendments to correct errors in their records or may be able to restrict certain disclosures, the primary right established by the Privacy Rule emphasizes access as a pivotal aspect of patient control over their own health information.