What should an employee do if they wish to view a patient’s records?

Submitting a release of records request is the correct procedure for an employee wishing to view a patient's records. This process is essential to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of patient information as outlined by HIPAA regulations. Under HIPAA, patients have the right to control who accesses their health information, and healthcare employees must respect that right. By submitting a formal request, it ensures that the necessary protocols are followed, including obtaining the patient's consent when required.

Accessing records directly through the electronic medical records (EMR) system is typically restricted to authorized personnel for specific professional needs, and not for personal inquiry. Asking a colleague to look up patient information can lead to unauthorized access and potential breaches of confidentiality. Checking with the patient's family first is also inappropriate as it does not align with the patient's rights to their records and could lead to privacy violations. Thus, the proper channel to access patient records is through a release of records request.