What requirement must covered entities meet regarding access to health records?

Covered entities, under the HIPAA Privacy Rule, are required to provide individuals with access to their protected health information (PHI) within a specific timeframe. The correct requirement states that covered entities must provide access within 30 days of a request from a patient. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals can quickly retrieve their health information, enhancing transparency and empowering patients to manage their own health care.

If a covered entity cannot provide access to the records within this 30-day period, they are allowed a one-time extension of an additional 30 days, but they must provide the individual with a written explanation for the delay and inform them of the new expected date for access. This rule is fundamental to patient rights under HIPAA and emphasizes the importance of timely access to personal health information.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the established HIPAA regulations regarding access timelines, which reinforces the importance of meeting the specific 30-day requirement for patient access to their health records.