SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hipaa-accounting-free

How often must a covered entity give a patient an accounting of disclosures for free?

The first one in any 12 months.

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  1. Every request
  2. Never, a fee is always allowed
  3. The first one in any 12-month period ✔

Why: The first accounting in any 12-month period is free. For more requests in that period, a reasonable cost-based fee is allowed if the patient is told first.

Huh, didn't know that: The covered entity must provide the accounting within 60 days, with one possible 30-day extension.

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References

Answer: The first one in any 12-month period. The first accounting in any 12-month period is free. For more requests in that period, a reasonable cost-based fee is allowed if the patient is told first.

  1. 45 CFR 164.528 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-E/section-164.528
    The covered entity must provide the first accounting to an individual in any 12 month period without charge.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 45 CFR 164.528 (eCFR) www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/subtitle-A/subchapter-C/part-164/subpart-E/section-164.528
    no later than 60 days after receipt of such a request
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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Work SkillsHow long does a covered entity generally have to act on a patient's request for copies of their records?Work SkillsA patient asks for an electronic copy of records the clinic keeps electronically. What must the clinic do?Work SkillsWhat may a provider charge a patient for a copy of their own records?

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