Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) — Question 106

Under which of the following conditions can an original patient health record by physically removed from the hospital?

Answer options

• A. when the patient is brought to the hospital emergency department following a motor vehicle accident and, after assessment, is transferred with his health record to a trauma designated emergency department at another hospital
• B. when the directory of health records is acting in response to a subpoena duces tecum and takes the health record to court
• C. when the patient is discharged by the physician and at the time of discharge is transported to a long-term care facility with his health record
• D. when the record is taken to a physician’s private office for a follow-up patient visit postdischarge

Correct answer: B

Explanation

The correct answer is B because a subpoena duces tecum legally compels the production of records in court, allowing the health record to be removed. Options A, C, and D describe situations that do not meet the legal criteria for removal, as they are related to patient transfers or follow-up care without a legal mandate.