If a mother asks for copies of her 20-year-old daughter's medical records, what is the appropriate action to take?

In this scenario, the mother requesting her 20-year-old daughter's medical records presents a situation that requires careful consideration of patient privacy and legal rights regarding access to medical records. The appropriate action involves recognizing that, once a person reaches the age of majority, which is typically 18 years old in most jurisdictions, their medical records are considered private and cannot be released to family members without the individual's consent.

The correct response involves informing the mother that she needs her daughter's authorization to obtain those records. This ensures that the daughter's rights to confidentiality are respected and aligns with HIPAA regulations, which govern the privacy of health information. Requesting authorization helps to maintain trust between healthcare providers and patients, as well as compliance with legal requirements.

Options like simply putting the records in a sealed envelope or allowing her to take the records without proper authorization fail to uphold the necessary privacy protections. Therefore, it's crucial to handle such requests in accordance with established legal and ethical standards that prioritize patient confidentiality.