Correctional Officer Basic Training Practice Test

Which professional is NOT authorized to receive medical health records?

1. Psychiatrist

2. Psychologist

3. Family members

4. Government agencies

The correct answer is: Family members

The option indicating family members is correct because generally, privacy laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, strictly regulate who can access an individual's medical records. Medical records are considered sensitive personal information, and their confidentiality must be maintained. While psychiatrists, psychologists, and government agencies may have legitimate reasons and authorizations to access such records as part of their professional duties or legal obligations, family members do not automatically have the right to access a person's health information without explicit consent from the individual. This protection helps ensure that medical information is shared only with parties who have a professional role or legal requirement to access it, thereby safeguarding patient privacy.