What are the types of authority required for the release of medical records?
<p>I am filling out medical records release in the United States. I noticed that the signature requires the patient's signature or a person authorized to sign. It also states that if not the patient, include type of authority to sign.</p>

<p>I only know of Power of Attorney as well as specific authority when unable to make medical decisions. What types of authority exist for release of medical records?</p>

<p>A parent can legally sign for a minor child. That is probably the most common situation. (In fact a child cannot sign for him- or herself.) A legal guardian can sign for his or her ward (person under guardianship). A person holding a <strong>medical</strong> Power of Attorney (MPOA) can sign for his or her principal. Other forms of authorization probably amount to alternate ways to create a MPOA.</p>

united-states privacy medical