In a private healthcare setting, who owns the health records compiled by a doctor?

In a private healthcare setting, the ownership of health records compiled by a doctor typically belongs to the doctor or healthcare provider. This means that the healthcare professional, or the facility where the records are maintained, retains legal ownership of the physical or electronic records. While patients have rights over their personal health information, including access to and control over who can view it, the actual record created and maintained by the healthcare provider is owned by that provider.

This ownership is grounded in the nature of the provider-patient relationship, where the healthcare provider is responsible for the creation, maintenance, and accuracy of the medical records. This does not diminish the patient's rights regarding their information, as privacy laws grant them access to these records and the right to make decisions about their use, but it is the healthcare provider who holds the ownership of the records themselves.

In this context, while other options may represent rights or responsibilities regarding the information in the records, they do not reflect the ownership aspect accurately, underscoring why the healthcare provider is recognized as the owner.