What is required of a covered entity when responding to a patient request for amendment of PHI?

When a patient requests an amendment to their protected health information (PHI), a covered entity is required to provide a written justification if the request is denied. This requirement is rooted in the HIPAA Privacy Rule, which ensures that individuals have the right to request amendments to their health records when they believe their information is inaccurate or incomplete. If a covered entity evaluates the request and determines it does not meet the criteria for amending PHI, providing a written explanation detailing the reasons for the denial is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in handling patient information. This communication supports the patient's understanding of the process and their rights related to their PHI, fostering trust in the health care system.

The requirement for written justification underscores the importance of due process for patients and ensures that covered entities are not arbitrarily rejecting requests without clear reasoning.