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Can Assisted Living Facilities Gain Access to Residents’ Health Records?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
With over a decade of dedicated experience, Andrea Miller boasts an extensive background in healthcare writing and editing. Her expertise spans various facets of the healthcare industry, with a particular focus on nursing, senior care, Alzheimer’s disease, and public health. Andrea has also contributed her editorial talents to reputable publishers in the Philadelphia region, complementing her extensive freelance work.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
How to protect your private health records
In addition, avoid storing your information online unless you use a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant app or electronic health record. Never post identifying medical details on social media or a public online forum.
What are the rules about assisted living access to your health records?
HIPAA only lets assisted living facilities access your health records with your written permission. You need to sign a form allowing providers to share these documents with assisted living staff.
On the other hand, HIPAA allows health care providers to request health records directly from other medical organizations for treatment and payment purposes. However, those providers aren’t under any obligation to comply with the request.
File a complaint with your assisted living facility or health care provider if they’ve violated the privacy of your medical records. The state attorney general’s offices, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Health and Human Services also handle HIPAA complaints.