Health Information Management

Q: What is an appropriate disciplinary action to enforce for staff members who take medical records out of the facility/office?

HIPAA Weekly Advisor, June 25, 2007

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A: You should have a written policy that allows for the removal of medical records from the facility only under subpoena or court order. Incorporate this policy into medical staff policies or the medical staff rules and regulations. Individuals who violate this policy should face the same corrective action steps as those who violate other policies, such as verbal or written counseling, probation, and discharge.

Editor's note: Mary Brandt, president of Bellaire, TX-based Brandt & Associates, LLC, answered this question. This is not legal advice. Consult your attorney for legal matters.



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