What is the correct answer regarding acceptable ways to provide a patient with a copy of an outside prescription on file from two years ago?

• A. Copies by mail to the patient
• B. Fax the prescription to the patient
• C. Email the patient the prescription
• D. None of the above

Answer: (D)

Protecting patient privacy when releasing prescription information is key. A copy of an outside prescription is part of a patient’s protected health information, and it must be shared through a secure method that protects confidentiality. Mailing, faxing, or emailing a prescription copy typically does not meet those security standards unless specific safeguards or patient authorization for that channel are in place. The safest, most appropriate approach is to provide the copy in person or through a secure, patient-controlled electronic method (such as a protected portal) after verifying the patient’s identity. The age of the record doesn’t change this requirement—the release must still use a secure channel.