What document is required in order to provide medical records?

The requirement of a records release is critical for ensuring that a healthcare provider can legally share a patient's medical records. This document serves as formal authorization from the patient, allowing the provider to disclose specific health information to a designated third party.

Health information privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the United States, mandate that individuals have control over their personal health information. A records release establishes this control by requiring explicit consent from the patient. This not only protects patient confidentiality but also ensures compliance with legal standards governing patient information.

While terms like medical release and patient consent may refer to similar concepts, the term "records release" explicitly denotes the specific documentation necessary for the transfer of medical records. An authorization form could potentially cover various types of health disclosures, but in the context of specifically allowing access to medical records, a records release is the most precise and commonly used terminology.