Access to health records should be restricted to which group within a healthcare facility?

The correct choice emphasizes that access to health records should be limited to employees who have a legitimate need for that access. This principle is rooted in the necessity to protect patient privacy and uphold confidentiality regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States.

Legitimate need means that the employee's role within the healthcare facility directly requires them to use the health records to perform their job functions, such as healthcare providers, billing staff, and certain administrative personnel. By ensuring that only these individuals can access sensitive health information, healthcare facilities reduce the risk of unauthorized access and potential breaches of confidentiality.

Other options do not align with best practices in health information management. Allowing all staff members to access records regardless of their role could lead to unauthorized use and compromise patient privacy. Requiring access only through official forms may introduce unnecessary bureaucracy and may still not ensure the legitimacy of the request. Limiting access solely to the IT department is also impractical, as many healthcare roles require direct interaction with patient records that the IT staff might not use or understand in the same context. Thus, restricting access to those with a legitimate need is the most effective and secure approach.