What is a release of information form?

A release of information form is fundamentally a document that grants permission for the disclosure of a patient's medical information to designated individuals or entities. This form is essential in the healthcare industry as it ensures compliance with legal and privacy regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By signing this document, patients empower healthcare providers to share their medical records or information with other healthcare professionals, family members, or insurance companies as specified. This process protects patient confidentiality while allowing for necessary communication regarding health care.

The other options entail different functions: a form for requesting a patient's medical history focuses on obtaining past health records rather than permitting their release; consent for surgical procedures is specifically about granting permission for specific medical interventions; and an application for health insurance pertains to obtaining coverage rather than managing the sharing of personal medical data. Each of these plays a distinct role within the healthcare framework but does not cover the scope of what constitutes a release of information form.