How long does a covered entity have to respond to an individual's request for access to their PHI when that PHI is stored off-site?

The correct answer is that a covered entity has 60 days to respond to an individual's request for access to their protected health information (PHI) when that information is stored off-site. This time frame is established by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, which specify that covered entities are required to provide individuals with access to their PHI in a timely manner.

In cases where the PHI is not readily available at the covered entity's location, the regulations allow for a 30-day extension, making the total response time 60 days. This ensures individuals can access their health information while also allowing entities sufficient time to retrieve and review the requested data. This provision emphasizes the importance of balancing timely access to health information with the entity's ability to manage off-site records responsibly.

Understanding this timeline is crucial for healthcare professionals and institutions as they navigate compliance with HIPAA requirements and strive to facilitate patient access to their health information.