HCISPP · Question #238
What is the standard for accessing patient information?
The correct answer is A. A need to know for the performance of your job. The standard for accessing patient information under HIPAA is a legitimate need to know directly tied to the performance of one's job duties.
Question
What is the standard for accessing patient information?
Options
- AA need to know for the performance of your job.
- BIf a physician asks you the diagnosis of a patient.
- CJust because you are curious.
- DYou are a relative of the patient.
How the community answered
(54 responses)- A93% (50)
- B4% (2)
- C2% (1)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
The standard for accessing patient information under HIPAA is a legitimate need to know directly tied to the performance of one's job duties.
HIPAA's minimum necessary standard requires that workforce members access only the PHI needed to fulfill their specific job responsibilities, and covered entities must implement policies limiting access accordingly. This 'need to know' standard means curiosity, family relationships, or requests from others - even physicians - do not by themselves justify access. The standard protects patient privacy by ensuring only those with a direct, job-related purpose can view sensitive health records.
A physician's request alone does not constitute sufficient justification - the person accessing the record must themselves have a job-related need to know the information.
Curiosity has no standing as a basis for accessing PHI; access must be tied to a legitimate professional purpose.
Being a relative of a patient does not grant any right of access under HIPAA; personal relationships are not a recognized basis for PHI access.
Concept tested: HIPAA minimum necessary access standard
Source: https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/privacy/guidance/minimum-necessary-requirement/index.html
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