Question

Which of the following statements is true regarding the release of patient records?

Verbal requests for records from life insurance companies are appropriate.
Identification is not required when requesting access to patient records.
Providers cannot share a patient's medical information with other health care professionals if the patient is mentally unstable.
Patient access to psychotherapy notes is restricted.

Answer 1

Patient access to psychotherapy notes is restricted.

Brief notes on the others:
- Life insurance: verbal requests alone are not sufficient — a valid, signed authorization is generally required.
- Identification: patients (and third parties requesting records) must be verified before records are released.
- Mental instability: providers may share information with other health professionals for treatment or safety reasons; mental instability does not categorically prohibit sharing.