Arkansas Long Term Care Administrator Practice Exam

What action should be taken if a resident's records are requested?

1. Denial of access

2. Verification of request validity

3. Immediate processing

4. Review of internal policies

The correct answer is: Verification of request validity

The correct action to take when a resident's records are requested is to verify the validity of the request. This step is crucial because it ensures that the individual requesting access to the records has the appropriate authority or reason to do so. Verification protects residents' privacy and sensitive information, adhering to legal regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which sets strict guidelines regarding the release of health information. By confirming the validity of the request, you are also ensuring compliance with internal policies and state regulations governing the management and disclosure of medical records. This process typically involves checking the identity of the requester, as well as their relationship to the resident and their right to access such information. Immediate processing of requests might seem efficient, but without verification, it could lead to unauthorized access or breaches of confidentiality. Similarly, denying access outright does not align with the principles of cooperation and transparency that govern patient rights. A review of internal policies is an important part of the operational framework but comes into play after the validity of the request has been established. Therefore, the emphasis on verification prior to any actions maintains the integrity and security of resident records while fostering trust in the facility's management practices.