HIPAA question

[catwoman]

Do HIPAA rules require that each health provider have patients name relatives who have access to health records/files?

I haven't found a specific place on the internet that answers this question. My PCP's office only provides the form if the patient asks for it. My specialists all require such a form be filled out.

I've already been e-mailed various links to the HIPAA law, which hasn't helped.

 

[terryj]

My husbands PCP does. He had to fill out a HIPPA form stating I could have access to any of his test results,etc. Until then they would only give his INR results to my husband. They would not leave the results on the answering machine,etc. I don't know if this helps answer your question. I live in Ga. I don't know if other states are different.

 

[jeffp]

Do HIPAA rules require that each health provider have patients name relatives who have access to health records/files?

HIPAA rules do not specify any forms at all. It does specify certain rules that need to followed and most every doctor documents these rules with a paper trail (forms). Most have most all the stuff on one or two pages that get done all at once, but some have separate forms that need to be asked for. Just a matter of doing what ever works for them (I think getting it all done and out of the way at once is more efficient - but that's just me).

 

[tommy]

My college kids have to sign a form so that we can have access to records and even have a 2-way conversation with the school nurse.

 

[catwoman]

Jeff:

Thanks for the info from a doctor's perspective.

My PCP's office does not provide a form so you can list whoever in the world can have access to your medical records -- unless you request such a form.
My specialists (cardio, dentist, ophthalmologist, GI, etc.) do require that you fill out a form.
My husband & I use the same PCP and the employees know each of us by sight. Yet, they refused to let him pick up copies of a bone density test & my echos, and even required that I hand them a completed form in person.

Just seems prudent that a medical office would REQUIRE such a form to be filled out by every patient -- just in case.

 

[hensylee]

NOBODY has ever presented such a form to me for my disabled brother. So I carry a Power of Attorney at all times - then they make me sign a form if I ask for information and they keep a copy of the POA.