According to HIPAA, who has the right to access patient information in the complete medical record?

The patient has the right to access their complete medical record under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). This legislation is designed to protect the privacy and security of individuals' health information while also granting them certain rights concerning their medical records. Specifically, patients have the right to request access to their medical records, review, and obtain copies. This empowerment is central to the philosophy of patient autonomy and informed consent in healthcare.

Access to a patient's medical records is fundamental because it allows individuals to be actively involved in their healthcare decisions and to understand their medical histories and current health statuses. While other parties, such as healthcare providers, legal guardians, and insurance companies may have access to needed information under certain circumstances, the patient's rights to their own information take precedence. This ensures that the patient has control over who gets to see their sensitive health information.