Federal Nursing Home Administrator Practice Exam

A resident requests to see his medical chart, but the doctor prohibits this. What should the nurse do?

1. Comply with the doctor’s orders

2. Tell the doctor that the resident has a legal right to access their records

3. Inform the resident that access is not permitted

4. Suggest the resident speak to another doctor

The correct answer is: Tell the doctor that the resident has a legal right to access their records

In this scenario, the correct approach is for the nurse to inform the doctor that the resident has a legal right to access their medical records. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other regulations, residents have the right to access their medical information. This right is grounded in promoting transparency and empowering patients to be part of their own healthcare decisions. By bringing this to the doctor's attention, the nurse is advocating for the resident's rights and ensuring that the facility adheres to legal and ethical standards. This action not only fosters trust between the resident and the healthcare team but also ensures that the facility remains compliant with federal regulations regarding patient information access. Other choices do not support the resident’s rights effectively. Complying with the doctor's orders without considering the resident's rights could lead to a violation of those rights. Simply informing the resident that access is not permitted does not advocate for the resident and may lead to frustration or feelings of powerlessness. Suggesting that the resident speak to another doctor could potentially complicate the situation and does not address the legal aspect of accessing their records directly. Instead, advocating for their right to access information is the most appropriate and professional course of action.