What is one of the main responsibilities of the Release of Information office?

The primary responsibility of the Release of Information (ROI) office is to facilitate the correct and lawful release of health information. This role is crucial in ensuring that patient confidentiality is maintained while complying with legal requirements and regulations regarding the sharing of medical records. The ROI office acts as a gatekeeper, balancing the need for information access by authorized parties, such as healthcare providers or third-party entities, with the protections afforded to patient data under laws like HIPAA.

In performing this duty, the ROI office must be well-versed in understanding patient rights, the legal frameworks governing health information, and the specific procedures necessary to release information ethically and legally. This focus on lawful release prevents unauthorized access and protects sensitive patient data, which is a cornerstone of patient trust and confidentiality in healthcare.