Which of the following is NOT a reason for denying access to medical records?

The choice indicating that access to medical records can be denied without the patient's knowledge is considered correct because it aligns with standard privacy protocols that require patient awareness and consent in many situations. Medical records are sensitive documents that contain personal health information, and regulations such as HIPAA establish guidelines for patient rights regarding access and disclosure.

In many jurisdictions, including Arizona, the right to access one's medical records includes provisions that a patient must be informed about requests for their records and the contents therein. If access is denied without the patient's knowledge, it typically raises ethical concerns about transparency and trust within the patient-provider relationship.

The other choices reflect valid concepts that could justify why access to specific medical records may be limited. For example, endangerment of another person involves situations where revealing information could lead to harm. Reference to another person may indicate that the record includes confidential information about another individual, whose privacy must be protected. Records created specifically for research may be exempt from access under certain conditions, especially if the data is anonymized or if the individual has not consented to release the information. Each of these scenarios highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality and protecting individuals involved in the medical documentation process.