What is an authorization for release of information?

An authorization for release of information is a signed document that formally grants permission for a medical office to share a patient's health information with designated individuals or organizations. This authorization is critical in ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, particularly those outlined by regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The signed document provides the necessary legal authority to disclose sensitive patient data, ensuring that the patient’s rights and privacy are respected.

Unlike verbal agreements, which can lead to misunderstandings and are harder to enforce, a signed document is a clear and legally binding record of consent. This distinction underscores the importance of formal processes in health information management. While a plain letter requesting patient history lacks the legal authority and structure of the authorization document, an internal memo would simply notify staff but doesn’t provide explicit consent from the patient themselves.