Certified Medical Assistant Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Limiting access to authorized personnel is crucial in maintaining the confidentiality of patient records because it ensures that only those who have a legitimate need to know have the ability to view or handle sensitive information. This practice helps protect patients' privacy and complies with legal regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates strict guidelines for safeguarding health information. By restricting access, healthcare providers significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized disclosures and potential breaches of confidentiality.

The other options, such as sharing information with family members or storing records in publicly accessible areas, compromise patient privacy and violate ethical and legal standards. Using physical copies for record-keeping, while relevant to data management, does not directly address the issue of confidentiality if access is not controlled. Thus, focusing on limiting access to only those authorized is key to upholding the confidentiality of patient records.