What is one significant disadvantage of paper-based health records?

The significant disadvantage of paper-based health records is that they are prone to loss, damage, and unauthorized access. Paper records are physically vulnerable; they can be easily misplaced, destroyed by fire or water, or deteriorate over time. Additionally, because these records are often stored in specific locations, anyone without proper authorization can gain access to sensitive patient information simply by being in the right place. This poses a serious risk to patient confidentiality and information security, hindering compliance with regulations like HIPAA, which are designed to protect personal health information.

Other options do not accurately represent the disadvantages associated with paper-based records; while they may seem appealing in certain contexts, they do not address the crucial issues surrounding security and reliability that digital records aim to improve upon.