Procedures for the Release of Electronic Health Information - Assignment Example

Moreover, the burden of maintaining confidentiality lies with health care providers and staff that may have access to the medical record. The patient relies on the understanding of these laws well by the heath providers. The implementation of these laws without patients’ right violation is the main aim of the release of electronic health records. U.S. Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act ("HIPAA") was enacted by the US to help in the governance of the release of health records.

It is important to note that although HIPAA Privacy Regulations may impose additional requirements on Maryland disclosure law, they do not replace Maryland state law unless the patient is provided less protection under the state law. Electronic health information is a digitized version of a patient’s record book; it contains a patient’s medical history, treatment plans, immunization dates, medications, allergies, radiology images, and laboratory and test results. It also allows access to evidence-based tools that providers can use to make decisions about a patient’s care.

It also eases the service providers’ workflow since the whole system is automated. The EHR allows the sharing of information between several health care organizations in case of referrals. Such information could be very vital to a patient therefore the issuance of such information should be done carefully under regulations. It’s only fair the patient’s privacy rights be observed. This therefore has led to the need for a procedure in the release of medical records. Medical records are expected to be confidential, up to date and very accurate.

These records are owned by the health care provider and are kept with the aim of benefiting the patient. Therefore, the service provider is tasked to guard this information against any illegal adjustments, loss, tamper, or unauthorized persons use. The