Which of the following is a key element of patient rights under HIPAA?

The key element of patient rights under HIPAA encompasses the right to access and obtain copies of their health records. This provision empowers patients by allowing them to review their own health information, ensuring transparency and enabling informed participation in their own healthcare. Access to medical records fosters trust and communication between patients and healthcare providers, making it easier for patients to understand their health status and treatment options.

The ability to obtain copies of health records is crucial for patients to manage their care, seek second opinions, or track their health over time. This right also reinforces the importance of patient autonomy in healthcare and aligns with HIPAA's overarching objectives of protecting individual privacy and promoting better health outcomes through informed patient engagement. In contrast, the other options either suggest an unrealistic extent of patient control over their healthcare or do not align with HIPAA's framework of rights and protections.