American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

If a regulatory inspector requests a copy of a lab patient's record, what should the technician do?

1. Provide the record immediately

2. Store the record safely for future reference

3. Deny the inspector a copy of the record

4. Consult the lab manager before responding

The correct answer is: Deny the inspector a copy of the record

In situations involving regulatory inspectors and patient records, it is crucial to adhere to established protocols for handling sensitive information. The correct response is to consult the lab manager before taking any action. This ensures that the technician is following proper procedures, protecting patient confidentiality, and complying with regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). By consulting the lab manager, the technician can confirm the correct protocol for sharing information with regulatory bodies, which typically involves ensuring that all legal and ethical considerations are addressed. This step is vital because providing records without authorization or failing to follow the appropriate chain of command could lead to violations of privacy laws or internal policies. In contrast, providing the record immediately may lead to unauthorized dissemination of patient information. Storing the record for future reference is not appropriate, as it does not address the inspector's request. Denying the inspector outright would likely be seen as obstructing their duties and may result in penalties or further scrutiny. Therefore, the best course of action is to consult the lab manager, ensuring compliance with both patient confidentiality and regulatory standards.