AMA Issues Patient Records Access Playbook

On February 25, the American Medical Association (AMA) announced the release of its new Patient Records Electronic Access Playbook. The 100-page guide is intended to help physician practices navigate the legal and practical requirements of providing patients with access to their electronic health information.

The Playbook discusses relevant provisions of HIPAA and points out many situations in which state laws may provide patients with greater rights, such as tighter time frames in which a practice must respond to requests for access to patient information. Sections on patient portals, apps and interoperability cover topics on which the availability of new technologies may have gotten ahead of compliance for many practices. Helpful appendices include sample forms, frequently asked questions, and a state-by-state chart of permissible fees that may be charged to patients for copies of their medical records.

A cover-to-cover review of the Playbook would be time well spent for most medical practice owners and administrators.