What right do patients have regarding their medical records under HIPAA?

Patients under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) possess multiple rights concerning their medical records, and one critical aspect is the right to view their records and know who has accessed them. This transparency is vital for ensuring that patients can monitor who is handling their sensitive information, thus providing an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access and breaches of confidentiality. Knowing who has accessed their records empowers patients to take action if they suspect any misuse of their information.

While other rights, such as challenging inaccuracies, receiving copies, and keeping records private from insurers, are indeed components of HIPAA regulations, the focus of this particular question is on the rights related to understanding access to their medical records. This right to know about access aligns with the broader goals of HIPAA, which seeks to protect patient privacy while maintaining the integrity of health information.