What is the purpose of a Release of Information form?

The purpose of a Release of Information form is to allow the release of a patient’s medical records. This form is essential in healthcare because it ensures that patient information is shared legally and ethically. It provides the necessary consent for healthcare providers to disclose a patient's confidential medical information to other parties, such as insurers, other doctors, or specialists involved in the patient's care. This form protects patients' privacy and complies with legal regulations like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

In practice, without this signed release, healthcare providers cannot share medical information, which could hinder care coordination, reimbursement processes, or follow-up treatment. It is fundamentally about patient autonomy and safeguarding sensitive information.