You supervise the correspondence unit of the health information services departm

Question

You supervise the correspondence unit of the health information services department of a medical center. Today, you received a subpoena duces tecum from an attorney, demanding either the originals or copies of all health records concerning Mary Smith, who allegedly is or was a patient of the medical center. The subpoena lacks sufficient information for you to determine whether Mary Smith is or was a patient in your facility. The subpoena is not accompanied by a valid authorization to release information for Mary Smith, as required in your state. How should you respond to the subpoena?

TEXTBOOK: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Information Management by McWay 4th edition.

Explanation / Answer

A subpoena refers to a document issued by the court or a call to appear in court. It is court-ordered rule that basically requires you to do something, such as give evidence or present information that may help support the details that are at issue in a pending case.

By the following way respond to the subpoena-

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