When a medical record is subpoenaed for a court case, what should you do?

When a medical record is subpoenaed for a court case, the most appropriate action is to photocopy only the relevant parts of the record that pertain specifically to the case at hand. This approach ensures that patient confidentiality is maintained while still complying with the subpoena.

In legal situations, it is essential to only disclose information that is pertinent to the case; otherwise, disclosing the entire medical record may expose sensitive information that is not needed for the litigation and can violate privacy regulations, such as HIPAA. Therefore, identifying and providing only the information that is requested helps to protect patient privacy while fulfilling legal obligations effectively.

This selective approach is crucial, as it not only ensures compliance with legal standards but also aligns with ethical practices in healthcare management.