When can a client’s right to access their records be restricted?

• A. For ongoing treatment, risk, or privacy concerns.
• B. If the client requests copies too frequently.
• C. If the client is late on payments.
• D. If the client asks for a summary instead of full records.

Answer: (A)

Access to records is allowed in most cases, but it can be restricted when releasing them could undermine current treatment or safety. If providing full access during ongoing treatment might disrupt the care plan, undermine the therapeutic process, or pose a risk to the client or others, a clinician may limit or redact parts of the records. Privacy concerns also support restricting disclosure—such as protecting third-party confidences or preventing harm from sensitive information being released. Any restriction should be explained, documented, and reviewed as circumstances change, with efforts made to provide safe, appropriate access (often through redaction or phased release).

Requests based on how often copies are requested, whether payments are late, or a preference for a summary do not justify restricting access. These factors don’t establish a legitimate basis to withhold records.