A patient with schizophrenia approaches the psychiatric nurse and requests to read their medical record. Which of the following is the best response by the nurse?

Explanation

• HIPAA provides consumers with privacy rights and protections for health information, including mental health information. Patients have the right to review their medical records with the exception of psychotherapy notes from mental health providers.

• The Bill of Rights of Psychiatric Patients assures patients the right of access to medical records (except information received from third parties) under promise of confidentiality and except when access would be detrimental to the patient's health.

• Nurses should notify the nursing supervisor and have the patient sign a records release form if the record leaves the nurses' station. Alternatively, medical records may be reviwed online in patient portals.

• In the case of psychiatric inpatients, medical records are given to patients in a private area to review, and the psychiatrist or provider will usually arrange for an opportunity to discuss concerns or ask questions about what he or she may read in the chart.

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