How long does a provider have to provide copies of records used for public benefits?

The correct answer is that a provider must provide copies of records used for public benefits within 30 days at no charge. This timeframe is stipulated in the relevant California laws governing the provision of medical records, specifically for individuals requesting their own records related to public benefits like Medi-Cal.

In this context, the law ensures that patients or recipients of public benefits have timely access to their health information without incurring costs, thereby promoting transparency and facilitating necessary services or care that might depend on those records. This measure is important for safeguarding patient rights and ensuring they can effectively engage with healthcare and benefit systems.

The other options present misunderstandings about the timeline or conditions under which records must be released. For example, a 14-day timeframe is typically not the standard for most records requests, and while "as soon as possible" might seem reasonable, it lacks the specificity required by law. Additionally, a 60-day response period exceeds the designated timeframe established for public benefit records and does not align with the legal requirements for timely access. Overall, 30 days at no charge represents the correct balance of accessibility and patient care within the law.