Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

All of the following statements about the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are TRUE EXCEPT:

1. All patients must be given a copy of the HIPAA privacy policy

2. Patients are required to sign a document affirming they received information on HIPAA

3. Counselors following HIPAA must allow clients to view their records and request changes

4. Patients have a right to obtain a copy of their medical records through an attorney request

The correct answer is: Patients are required to sign a document affirming they received information on HIPAA

The statement regarding the requirement for patients to sign a document affirming they received information on HIPAA is not accurate. Under HIPAA, while healthcare providers must inform patients about their privacy practices, it does not mandate that patients sign a document to confirm they have received this information. Instead, providers are required to make a good faith effort to obtain an acknowledgment of receipt of the privacy notice, but it can be documented in various ways, and not necessarily through a formal signed document. In contrast, patients are entitled to receive a copy of the HIPAA privacy policy, counselors must allow clients to view their records and request corrections, and patients do have the right to obtain copies of their medical records through proper channels, including requests made via an attorney, aligning with HIPAA regulations. Each of these correct statements reflects the rights and protections offered to individuals under HIPAA, contributing to patient autonomy and informed consent in healthcare settings.