HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Patient Rights Under HIPAA Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient submits a written request to a covered entity to correct what they believe is a factual error in their medical record.
Under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, what is the maximum time frame the entity has to respond to the patient's request for an amendment?

Accepted Answer

60 days, with the option for one 30-day extension if the patient is notified in writing.

Answer

30 days from the date of the request.

Answer

90 days, as long as the amendment is complex.

Answer

Immediately, but no later than 15 business days.

Question 2

A patient requests an accounting of disclosures of their Protected Health Information (PHI) from a hospital. Which of the following disclosures must be EXCLUDED from this accounting report?

Accepted Answer

A disclosure made to the patient's health plan for payment purposes.

Answer

A disclosure made to a public health authority for disease control purposes.

Answer

A disclosure made to law enforcement in response to a court order.

Answer

A disclosure made to a health oversight agency for an audit.

Question 3

A patient pays for a cosmetic procedure entirely out-of-pocket and asks the clinic not to share any information about this service with their health insurance plan. Under HIPAA, how must the clinic respond?

Accepted Answer

The clinic must agree to the request to restrict disclosure to the health plan.

Answer

The clinic can agree to the restriction but is not required to do so.

Answer

The clinic must inform the health plan but can ask them to keep it confidential.

Answer

The clinic can deny the request because it conflicts with their billing practices.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes a patient's right to request confidential communications from a healthcare provider under HIPAA?

Accepted Answer

The provider must accommodate reasonable requests to communicate via alternative means or at alternative locations.

Answer

The provider must agree to any requested communication method, including unencrypted email, if the patient insists.

Answer

The patient must provide a detailed reason, such as a threat of danger, for the provider to accommodate the request.

Answer

The provider can charge an administrative fee for setting up an alternative method of communication.

Question 5

A health care provider with a direct treatment relationship is giving a new patient their Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) for the first time. According to HIPAA, when must this occur?

Accepted Answer

No later than the date of the first service delivery.

Answer

Within 30 days after the first service is provided.

Answer

Only when the patient makes a written request for the notice.

Answer

At least once every three years.

Question 6

A patient requests an electronic copy of their medical records, which the provider maintains electronically. The patient specifies that the records should be in a PDF format. How must the provider respond under the HIPAA Right of Access?

Accepted Answer

The provider must supply the records in the requested PDF format if it is readily producible.

Answer

The provider can insist on providing paper copies to ensure security.

Answer

The provider is only obligated to give a summary of the electronic health record, not the full file.

Answer

The provider must convert the files to PDF format, even if it requires purchasing new software.