How should a medical assistant handle a patient’s medical records?

Handling a patient’s medical records is governed by strict confidentiality and security regulations, which are essential for protecting patient privacy. The correct approach involves keeping these records secure and confidential, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to them. This is in line with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal health information.

By maintaining confidentiality and allowing access only to those who are legally permitted—such as healthcare providers involved in the patient's care—medical assistants uphold professional ethical standards and comply with legal requirements. This practice helps to foster trust between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access.

Other approaches, such as sharing records with any staff member, storing them without security measures, or making personal copies, undermine patient privacy and could lead to serious legal implications for the medical practice and the individuals involved. Prioritizing secure handling of medical records is essential in a healthcare environment.