Authorization For Release Of Medical Information

A medical release form is a document that gives healthcare professionals permission to share patient medical information with other parties.

By signing an authorization to release information, a party is consenting to provide another party with access to otherwise confidential information or records about an individual. However, signing a release doesn't mean the complete loss of confidentiality because most authorization forms are subject to limitations.

A signed HIPAA release form must be obtained from a patient before their protected health information can be shared with other individuals or organizations, except in the case of routine disclosures for treatment, payment or healthcare operations permitted by the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

Record requests can be honored without a patient's signature. Sometimes False. HIPAA generally allows for disclosure of medical records for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations absent a written request. However, most state laws require record requests to be in writing and signed by the patient.

An authorization is a detailed document that gives covered entities permission to use protected health information for specified purposes, which are generally other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or to disclose protected health information to a third party specified by the individual.

Medical release forms are used to request that a healthcare provider share a patient's medical history with a third party (employer, insurance company, school, etc.).

Patient requests must be written without requiring a "formal" release form. Include signature, printed name, date, and records desired. Release a copy only, not the original. The physician may prepare a summary of the medical record, if acceptable to the patient.

The core elements of a valid authorization include: A meaningful description of the information to be disclosed. The name of the individual or the name of the person authorized to make the requested disclosure. The name or other identification of the recipient of the information.