If a client requests access to their records, what is the LPCC's obligation?

• A. Provide access in accordance with privacy laws and retention requirements.
• B. Provide access only with court order.
• C. Provide access to records regardless of privacy laws.
• D. Never provide access to records.

Answer: (A)

The main obligation is honoring the client’s right to access their own records under privacy laws. LPCCs must provide access in accordance with applicable privacy protections (like HIPAA and state privacy rules) and with any retention requirements. This means responding within the allowed timeframe, delivering the records in the requested or feasible format, and following permissible fee guidelines. A court order isn’t a prerequisite for releasing records, and records shouldn’t be withheld simply because the counselor prefers not to share them—only legitimate legal or ethical exemptions (and the retention rules) justify any denial or redaction. So the correct approach is to provide access in line with privacy laws and retention requirements.