Under HIPAA, who has the right to access a patient's medical records?

The correct answer is that the patient or their authorized representative has the right to access a patient's medical records. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), individuals have specific rights regarding their health information. This includes the right to access their medical records and request copies of them. Patients may also designate a representative, such as a family member or third-party entity, to access their records on their behalf if they provide appropriate authorization.

This principle is foundational to HIPAA's intent to protect patient privacy and give individuals control over their personal health information. Healthcare providers and administrators must comply with these regulations to ensure that only the right individuals, as defined by the patient’s consent, can obtain access to this sensitive information.