What is required to authorize the release of a husband's medical record information to an insurance company?

To authorize the release of a husband's medical record information to an insurance company, written consent from the husband is required. Health information privacy laws, particularly those established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States, stipulate that a patient's medical information cannot be disclosed without their explicit consent. Written consent serves as a formal acknowledgment that the husband understands what information will be shared and with whom, thereby protecting his rights to confidentiality and personal privacy.

Oral consent may not provide a reliable means of accountability or a clear record of permission. Consent from a family member could potentially lead to ambiguity regarding the patient’s wishes, as each individual has exclusive rights to their medical information. Stating that no consent is required would contradict established privacy regulations, which mandate that patient consent is an essential step in the process of sharing medical records. Thus, written consent ensures compliance with legal requirements and protects the patient's sensitive information.