So this whole year, I told y’all that HIPAA was on the warpath about “Right to Access” cases.  They started a “Right to Access Initiative” to go after doctors that are not complying with patients’ request to get a copy of their records.  Well, last fall they went specifically after dentists.  Click here to read about it. Here’s what  the director said in his press release: “These three right of access actions send an important message to dental practices of all sizes that are covered by the HIPAA Rules to ensure they are following the law. Patients have a fundamental right under HIPAA to receive their requested medical records, in most cases, within 30 days. I hope that these actions send the message of compliance so that patients do not have to file a complaint with OCR to have their medical records requests fulfilled.” Three dental practices got fines because they each failed to send ONE person their record in a timely manner.  The fines were $30,000, $80,000, and $25,000.  WTH?!!?  That’s insane!! But here’s the message.  Don’t screw around with sending people copies of their records.  When they request it, send it out within 30 days.  Even if they owe you money.  It’s NOT worth it.