What documentation is necessary when a request for information is fulfilled?

When fulfilling a request for information, it is essential to maintain a record that includes the date of the release, details about the information that was released, and information regarding the recipient of that data. This documentation serves multiple purposes: it provides a clear log of what was shared, ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and establishes accountability for the release of sensitive patient information.

In healthcare settings, maintaining clear and accurate records of health information released is crucial for safeguarding patient privacy and ensuring that organizations can respond effectively to any inquiries or audits regarding information handling practices. This practice also helps to track potential breaches and verify that releases are made in accordance with patient consent and relevant laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States.

Other choices, while they may have relevance in specific contexts, do not fulfill the legal and procedural requirements necessary when a request for information is executed. For instance, a summary of the patient’s health history or an update of their treatment plan is not mandatory documentation for the release process itself, and an internal review of the release process, although important for quality assurance, does not directly pertain to the documentation that must be maintained every time information is released.