HIPAA Compliance: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, including Privacy Rule requirements, Security Rule requirements, minimum necessary standard, and patient rights regarding health information

State Privacy Laws: State-specific medical privacy laws, including additional privacy protections, specific requirements for medical record release forms, and state-specific retention requirements

42 CFR Part 2: Federal regulations providing special requirements for substance abuse treatment records and additional privacy protections

HITECH Act: Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act requirements, including electronic health record requirements and security breach notification requirements

Mental Health Records Regulations: Special state laws governing mental health records and additional consent requirements

Patient Identification: Mandatory element of the authorization letter that must include clear and accurate patient identifying information

Information Description: Detailed description of what medical information is to be released

Disclosure Purpose: Clear statement of the purpose for which the medical information will be disclosed

Recipient Information: Complete identification of who will receive the medical information

Expiration Date: Specific date or event upon which the authorization expires

Revocation Rights: Statement of the right to revoke the authorization and how to do so

Understanding Statement: Clear statement that the patient understands their rights and the implications of signing

Signature Requirements: Space for patient signature and date, including witness signature if required by state law