When a patient requests copies of their medical records, what is the first step the nurse should take?

The first step a nurse should take when a patient requests copies of their medical records is to request a form for the release of information. This is essential because medical records are protected health information, and there are legal requirements that govern how this information can be released. To comply with these regulations, a formal authorization is typically required from the patient, which ensures that patient privacy is maintained and that the patient is aware of their rights concerning their medical information.

By requesting the appropriate form, the nurse initiates the proper protocol for processing the request and ensures that all necessary information is documented correctly. This step also protects the healthcare facility and the nursing staff from any potential legal issues that could arise from improperly sharing confidential patient information without appropriate authorization.

In contrast, printing records immediately or providing a verbal summary of the records would not be appropriate actions without prior authorization, and informing the patient they cannot access their records fails to address their rights to obtain their information. Therefore, the process must begin with obtaining the correct release form to proceed appropriately.