Florida Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Practice Exam

Obtaining written consent from the patient is the best action to take when a lawyer requests a medical record, as it aligns with the legal and ethical standards governing patient confidentiality and privacy rights. Under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), healthcare providers must ensure that they have the appropriate authorization before disclosing a patient's medical information to third parties, including lawyers. This consent acts as a safeguard for the patient's privacy and ensures that the patient is aware of who is accessing their sensitive information.

This action not only protects the patient's rights but also fulfills the legal obligation to handle patient records with care and respect. Additionally, it helps maintain trust in the provider-patient relationship, as the patient feels that their personal health information is being managed responsibly.

Other actions, such as informing the facility supervisor or contacting the patient's referring practitioner, do not directly address the legal requirement for consent and may not be sufficient to authorize the release of sensitive information. Providing the records for a fee can lead to misunderstandings about the process and does not substitute the need for patient consent. Therefore, the most responsible and compliant approach is to ensure that written consent is obtained prior to releasing any medical records.