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FAQ 2067 Is a clinical laboratory required to provide an individual with access to a test report that is not yet complete?

This is a HIPAA FAQ about when a laboratory is required to provide access to test results.

Final

Issued by: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

Is a clinical laboratory required to provide an individual with access to a test report that is not yet complete?

No. For purposes of the HIPAA Privacy Rule, clinical laboratory test reports become part of the laboratory’s designated record set when they are “complete,” which means that all results associated with an ordered test are finalized and ready for release. However, other information concerning the test may be part of the designated record set and thus, accessible to the individual, even if the test report has not yet been completed, such as test orders, ordering provider information, billing information, and insurance information.

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