What must a covered entity provide upon a patient's request for access to their records?

A covered entity is required by HIPAA to provide patients with access to their medical records upon request. This includes delivering a copy of the records, typically within a specific timeframe, which is usually set at 30 days. This time limit is in place to ensure that patients can obtain their information promptly, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

In addition to this timely access, covered entities must also ensure that the records provided are complete and accurate, as it is the patient's right to view and obtain their health information. This access allows individuals to understand their health conditions better, participate actively in their care, and manage their health records more effectively.

The other options do not align with HIPAA regulations. Providing only a summary of the records does not grant the patient full access to their information, which undermines their right to comprehensive insights about their health. Limiting access based on the perception of the records being deemed correct is not compliant with HIPAA, as it restricts patient access based on subjective judgment and could harm patient rights. Lastly, the requirement to provide access to records does not hinge on the cost of service; there are provisions for fees, but a covered entity cannot refuse access simply because it may incur additional charges.