If a family member gives you verbal permission, are you allowed to access their health records?

Accessing someone's health records requires adherence to strict privacy regulations outlined by HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Even if a family member verbally permits you to access their health information, it does not provide an adequate basis for accessing those records without following the proper protocols set by healthcare institutions.

Under HIPAA, individuals have the right to protect their health information, and only they can authorize access to it through a formal request or by giving explicit consent in writing. This safeguard ensures that patients maintain control over who can view their sensitive personal health information. Therefore, without a formal request directed to the records department, permitting access solely based on a verbal agreement from a family member is not permissible.

The importance of following the established process reinforces the necessity of privacy and confidentiality in healthcare practices, ensuring compliance with legal standards.