What is an individual's right under HIPAA regarding their medical records?

Under HIPAA, individuals have the right to request an amendment to their medical records. This means that if a patient believes there is an error or incomplete information in their health records, they can formally ask the healthcare provider to correct or update the information. This right is crucial because it empowers individuals to ensure their medical records accurately reflect their health information, which is essential for appropriate medical treatment and care over time.

This process involves a healthcare provider reviewing the request and determining whether the amendment is appropriate based on the records' content. If a request is denied, the individual has the right to submit a statement of disagreement that will be included in their medical records.

The other options do not reflect rights granted under HIPAA. Individuals cannot sell their medical records, as this would raise significant ethical and privacy concerns. Destruction of medical records is not permitted, as providers must retain records for a certain period for legal and healthcare purposes. While individuals indeed have the right to privacy regarding their medical information, that right does not extend to keeping records private irrespective of consent, especially in contexts where sharing information is necessary for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations, as outlined by HIPAA provisions.