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FAQ 2070 May a covered entity accept standing requests from individuals to access their PHI or to have their PHI sent to a third party of their choice?

This is a HIPAA FAQ about requests for PHI sent to a third party.

Final

Issued by: Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

May a covered entity accept standing requests from individuals to access their PHI or to have their PHI sent to a third party of their choice?

Yes, and covered entities should have processes in place that enable individuals to receive access to their PHI, including to direct a copy of their PHI to a third party of their choice, on a standing, regular basis, without requiring individuals to repeat their requests for access every time a copy of their PHI is to be sent or otherwise made accessible. Further, covered entities should take advantage of technology and tools that automate such regular access.

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