AHIMA RHIA Exam Prep | Questions with 100% Correct Answers | Verified | Latest Update 2024

A patient requests copies of her medical records in an electronic format. The hospital maintains a portion of the designated record set in a paper format and a portion of the designated record set in an electronic format. How should the hospital respond? a. Provide the records in paper format only b. Scan the paper documents so that all records can be sent electronically c. Provide the patient with both paper and electronic copies of the record d. Inform the patient that PHI cannot be sent electronically - c. Provide the patient with both paper and electronic copies of the record The HIPAA Privacy Rule states that the covered entity must provide individuals with their information in the form that is requested by the individuals, if it is readily producible in the requested format. The covered entity can certainly decide, along with the individual, the easiest and least expensive way to provide the copies they request. Per the request of an individual, a covered entity must provide an electronic copy of any and all health information that the covered entity maintains electronically in a designated record set. If a covered entity does not maintain the entire designated record set electronically, there is not a requirement that the covered entity scan paper documents so the documents can be delivered electronically (Thomason 2013, 102).