What must a patient do to access or copy their protected health information (PHI)?

To access or copy their protected health information (PHI), a patient must submit a written request. This requirement stems from regulations set forth by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which establishes the protocols for how medical information should be handled, ensuring both the protection of patient privacy and the provision of rights to the patient regarding their own health information.

A written request serves to formally document the patient's desire to access their PHI. This documentation is essential for healthcare providers to maintain compliance with privacy regulations and to provide a clear record of patient requests. Verbal requests lack this necessary formal structure and can lead to misunderstandings or inconsistencies in fulfilling the request.

While signing a waiver or informing healthcare providers informally may have their purposes in other contexts, they do not fulfill the requirement established by HIPAA for accessing PHI. Therefore, the process necessitates a clear, written request that delineates the patient's intent and provides a reliable method for healthcare entities to respond appropriately.