What regulations provide patients access to their medical records and control over their health information?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is the primary regulation that ensures patients have access to their medical records and control over their health information. HIPAA establishes national standards for the protection of patient health information, which includes an individual's rights to access their own medical records. Under HIPAA, patients have the right to request their medical records and receive a copy, thereby empowering them to be informed about their own health and make better healthcare decisions.

Furthermore, HIPAA sets guidelines for how healthcare providers must manage and protect patient information, reinforcing the idea that patients have a right to control who accesses their personal health information and under what circumstances. This regulation plays a crucial role in safeguarding patient privacy while also promoting transparency in health information access.

The other options relate to important aspects of patient care and rights, but they do not specifically address the regulatory framework that governs access to health information like HIPAA does. Informed decision-making refers more to the process of ensuring patients are educated about their treatment options, a healthcare proxy involves a person designated to make decisions on behalf of a patient, and independent patient advocates assist patients navigate the healthcare system but are not regulatory bodies themselves. Thus, HIPAA stands out as the foundational regulation for accessing medical records and controlling