When a resident asks for access to their medical record, the appropriate action is to

When a resident asks for access to their medical record, the appropriate action is to

• A. Provide copies immediately
• B. Refuse access
• C. Refer the request to the nurse for processing
• D. Read the medical record aloud to verify information

Answer: (C)

Residents have a right to access their medical records, but releasing information must be handled through the proper channels to protect privacy and ensure correct processing. The CNA should not hand out copies or read the record aloud. Instead, refer the request to the nurse responsible for processing medical-record requests. The nurse will verify the resident’s identity, determine what information may be released, and arrange for copies or access in accordance with facility policy and applicable privacy laws. This approach balances the resident’s rights with the need to keep personal health information secure. Providing copies immediately bypasses verification, reading the record aloud could expose confidential information to unintended listeners, and outright refusal would deny a legitimate right.

Residents have a right to access their medical records, but releasing information must be handled through the proper channels to protect privacy and ensure correct processing. The CNA should not hand out copies or read the record aloud. Instead, refer the request to the nurse responsible for processing medical-record requests. The nurse will verify the resident’s identity, determine what information may be released, and arrange for copies or access in accordance with facility policy and applicable privacy laws. This approach balances the resident’s rights with the need to keep personal health information secure. Providing copies immediately bypasses verification, reading the record aloud could expose confidential information to unintended listeners, and outright refusal would deny a legitimate right.