Who is allowed to access a client's medical record?

Access to a client's medical record is strictly regulated to protect patient confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in healthcare. Only healthcare team members who are directly responsible for the client's care are permitted to access the medical records. This policy is in place to ensure that sensitive information is handled appropriately and only by those who need it for treatment purposes.

Such restrictions are fundamental to maintaining patient privacy, in alignment with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, which emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal health information. While other individuals, such as family members or other staff, may have interests in accessing a client's medical record, their access is not universally permitted unless there is a valid reason tied directly to the patient's care or expressed consent by the patient. This keeps access restricted to only those who are actively involved in providing care, ensuring that patient information remains secure and that confidentiality is upheld.