Releasing medical records in medical facilities is something that happens each day. As healthcare professionals, it is important to understand and follow the proper protocol for releasing records. HIPAA is a set of guidelines used to guide medical professionals on how to maintain confidentiality for patient records. As a rule of thumb, medical records should be never be released without a medical release form being signed. Healthcare professionals must understand that medical records are legal documents and should be handled accordingly. Patients are able to have a copy of the medical records if they request it. However, patients, as well as medical practices, must understand that the proper legal procedures must be followed. Not handling the medical records according to legal procedures is a violation of HIPAA.
Scenario
You have just been hired at Rasmussen Healthcare Clinic. As part of your training, you are reviewing the clinic policy for the Release of Information. You recognize the current Release of Information document is incorrect and outdated. You bring this concern to your supervisor, and they ask you to create a new Release of Information form for clinic use.
Instructions
Using a Microsoft word document or PDF, create and design a simple, generic medical release form that could be useful for a healthcare practice.
Some facilities have a letterhead with logos for documents in the facility. For this assignment, you can create a letterhead with just the name of the facility and the words “Medical Release Form” under the facility name. This should be in Bold using 18-pt font.
Your form must include the following information (be sure blanks are included for the information:
Explain why this document is necessary and how it is legally being used in the medical facilities.
