Which document must a patient sign to obtain past records?

• A. Records release form
• B. Records request form
• C. Release authorization form
• D. Past records form

Answer: (A)

To obtain past records, explicit permission in writing is required to release protected health information. That permission is provided by a records release form, which authorizes the provider to release the specified records to the patient or another designated recipient. This form outlines who will receive the information, what records are being released, for what purpose, and when the authorization expires, and it must be signed by the patient or their legal representative.

A records request form is used to initiate the process of obtaining records, but it does not by itself grant permission to release them. The other options either use nonstandard wording or are less precise labels for the authorization to release information.