Can access to health records be denied if a person refuses assistance?

Access to health records is fundamentally tied to the rights individuals have regarding their own medical information. Generally speaking, a person has the legal right to access their health records, regardless of their willingness to accept assistance or treatment. This right underlies various laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures that individuals can view and obtain copies of their protected health information.

Even if a person refuses assistance—whether actively or passively—it does not negate their right to access their health records. Their consent for treatment or assistance is separate from their rights regarding their health information. The emphasis is on the individual's autonomy and rights concerning their private medical data, reinforcing the principle that access to this information should not be contingent upon their willingness to engage in care or assistance. As a result, denying access to health records based solely on a person's refusal of assistance would be inconsistent with these rights.