What is required for a patient to appoint someone to access their records?

For a patient to appoint someone to access their records, a signed authorization is required. This formalized process ensures that the patient’s privacy and rights are respected, as outlined by laws such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The signed authorization serves as a legal document that clearly defines who is permitted to access the patient's information and under what conditions.

Verbal commands are not sufficient because they lack the necessary documentation and verification to prevent misunderstandings or misuse of sensitive information. Government identification does not grant access to records in itself; it is often unrelated to the authorization process. Witness confirmation, while potentially helpful in certain situations, does not constitute the required legal basis to provide someone access to personal medical records. Therefore, a signed authorization remains the essential requirement for appointing someone to access a patient's records.