What is the best course of action when a secretary requests to review her own health record?

Allowing the secretary to review her own health record after obtaining her authorization is in line with the principles outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regarding patient access to personal health information. Under HIPAA, individuals have the right to access their own medical records. However, it is also essential to ensure that this access is managed properly to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data. Obtaining authorization is a best practice that reinforces the importance of maintaining privacy and security, even when the individual asking for access is an employee of the facility.

This process not only respects the individual's rights but also upholds the organization's policies concerning access to health information. It ensures that appropriate procedures are followed, potentially involving a formal request process, verifying the identity of the requester, and documenting the release of information. These steps help maintain a professional standard in managing health information while still complying with legal requirements.