If a doctor requests copies of his wife's records without her authorization, what is the appropriate response?

When a doctor requests copies of his wife's medical records without her authorization, the appropriate response is to deny the request due to the lack of a signed authorization. This is aligned with the principles of patient confidentiality and privacy as mandated by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States.

Under HIPAA, a healthcare provider cannot disclose a patient’s medical information without their explicit consent, even if the request comes from a spouse or another family member. This law is designed to protect patient privacy and ensure that individuals have control over their medical information. Therefore, unless the wife has provided a signed authorization permitting the doctor to access her records, the request must be denied to comply with legal requirements and maintain patient confidentiality.

In situations where healthcare professionals are involved, it is crucial to adhere to these privacy regulations, regardless of the requester’s profession or relationship to the patient. This reinforces the trust patients place in healthcare systems and encourages them to seek care without fear of unauthorized disclosure.