Certified Medical Administrative Assistants (CMAA) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Guide to Exam Success!

The purpose of a release of information policy is to govern how patient records may be shared. This policy is essential in the healthcare environment as it ensures compliance with various regulations, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The policy outlines the conditions under which a patient's medical information can be disclosed, specifying who can request information and under what circumstances it may be released.

By having clear guidelines regarding the sharing of patient information, the policy protects patient privacy and confidentiality while enabling health care providers to share necessary information for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations as permitted by law. This serves to build trust with patients who expect their sensitive information to be safeguarded against unauthorized access or misuse.

In contrast, informing patients about billing procedures pertains to financial aspects of healthcare, maintaining inventory of medical supplies focuses on logistical needs within a healthcare facility, and outlining employee roles relates to internal office structure and responsibilities. These areas, while important, do not specifically address the sharing of patient records, which is the central focus of a release of information policy.