Who owns the data contained in medical records?

• A. Physician
• B. Employer
• C. State
• D. Patient

Answer: (D)

The data in medical records belongs to the person the records describe. Because the information is about the patient’s health, the patient has ownership and strong control over it—meaning the patient can access it, obtain copies, and decide who else can see it. Healthcare providers and facilities act as custodians or stewards of the records, keeping them accurate and confidential to support care. The employer or state don’t own the patient’s health data in the ordinary sense, though they may have special access rights in certain situations. The important idea is that the patient ultimately controls and owns the health information, even though a provider maintains the records to deliver care.