What document must a person provide to access a patient's medical records?

To access a patient's medical records, a person is required to provide a written, signed authorization indicating authorized access. This is an essential component of protecting patient privacy and ensuring compliance with laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

The written authorization acts as a formal consent from the patient, clearly specifying what information can be accessed, by whom, and for what purpose. This process helps maintain confidentiality and safeguards the patient's rights by ensuring that their sensitive health information is only shared with individuals or entities that have legitimate reasons to know that information.

In contrast, a verbal agreement does not provide a verified paper trail or the clear documentation required by law to confirm that consent was given. Similarly, while a court order can compel the release of medical records, it is typically reserved for specific legal situations where due process must be followed. A medical professional's recommendation does not replace the necessity of obtaining explicit patient consent and cannot serve as a valid authorization for accessing medical records.