Medical records are a critical component of healthcare and legal proceedings, often requested by patients, attorneys, and third parties for various purposes, including litigation, insurance claims, and regulatory compliance. This advanced law course provides a comprehensive legal and procedural analysis of handling medical records requests in compliance with HIPAA, the HITECH Act, state laws, and evidentiary rules. Participants will explore the legal framework governing patient access to records, subpoenas and court orders, attorney requests in litigation, and privacy concerns in electronic health records (EHRs). The course will also examine liability risks, best practices for record disclosures, and strategies for navigating complex legal and ethical dilemmas in medical record management.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will:
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Understand the Legal Framework Governing Medical Records – Examine federal and state laws, including HIPAA, the HITECH Act, and state privacy regulations.
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Differentiate Between Types of Medical Record Requests – Identify distinctions between patient requests, attorney subpoenas, court orders, and government investigations.
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Analyze Patients’ Rights to Access Their Records – Explore legal obligations for providing timely and complete records to patients.
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Navigate Third-Party and Attorney Requests – Evaluate the legal requirements for releasing medical records in legal proceedings.
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Assess Subpoenas and Court Orders – Understand when and how to comply with legal demands for medical records while protecting patient confidentiality.
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Examine Privacy and Security Challenges – Address issues related to electronic health records (EHRs), data breaches, and cybersecurity.
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Identify Liability Risks and Legal Consequences – Review civil penalties, criminal liability, and legal actions stemming from improper disclosures.
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Develop Compliance Strategies for Medical Record Disclosure – Learn best practices for ensuring legal, ethical, and secure medical record handling.
