What law allows individuals to access their personal health records?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the law that provides individuals with the right to access their personal health records. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA established national standards for the protection of health information and empowered patients by granting them rights to their own health-related data. This law ensures that individuals can request and receive copies of their medical records, know how their information is used, and make informed decisions regarding their health care.

HIPAA's focus on privacy and security protects individuals' personal health information from being disclosed without their consent, while also promoting the idea that patients should have control over their own medical records. This is crucial for maintaining trust between patients and healthcare providers and ensuring that individuals can take an active role in their health care.

In contrast, while the Affordable Care Act does include provisions related to health insurance and patient protections, it does not specifically govern access to personal health records. Similarly, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act focuses on emergency medical treatment and does not address individuals’ rights to manage their health information. The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, although it emphasizes the adoption of health technology and the securing of patient information, operates in conjunction with HIPAA rather than serving as the primary law granting