The Cures Act
Access to your Medical Records is your right!
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) grants individuals the authority to access their medical records from various healthcare providers, including doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1996, this law safeguards patients’ rights.
In 2016, the U.S. Congress fortified this regulation with the passage of the 21st Century Cures Act. Under the Cures Act, hospitals and healthcare practitioners are mandated to facilitate patients’ access to their health records, streamlining the process.
Effective as of April 2021, any attempt to impede patients’ access to their health records, commonly known as “blocking,” is unlawful and can result in penalties for hospitals and healthcare providers.
The 21st Century Cures Act significantly benefits patients’ access to their medical records, making the process easier and more transparent. Imagine you’re managing your health, but you need to gather information from various doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Before this act, it could be like navigating a maze, with different institutions having different systems and hurdles for accessing records. However, with the Cures Act in place, hospitals and doctors are required to streamline this process, making it simpler for you to access your health information when you need it most.
In simpler terms, the Cures Act ensures that patients have more control over their medical records. It is the key to your health information. You no longer have to jump through hoops or face barriers to access vital details like test results, prescriptions, or treatment histories. wisepatientAI assists you in easily requesting and receiving your medical records, empowering you to make more informed decisions about your health and well-being.ย
For more information about the Cures Act and how it protects your rights, go to the National Institutes of Health website
