An older sister of a child who has diabetes mellitus requests the child's record. What should the RD first determine?

In situations involving medical records, the foremost concern is ensuring patient confidentiality and compliance with legal regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Therefore, the first step the registered dietitian (RD) should take is to ascertain who the legal guardian of the child is.

Only the legal guardian or authorized representative has the right to access a child's medical records. This process protects the child's privacy and ensures that the RD complies with legal standards regarding the sharing of personal health information.

Determining the child's medical history, dietary restrictions, or details about the sibling's condition can be important, but these factors become relevant only after confirming who has the legal authority to request and receive that information. Thus, identifying the legal guardian is crucial in addressing the request appropriately.