What is an authorization for release of protected health information?

Under the Privacy and Security of Health Information Act your medical records are private and even your spouse is not entitled to access to your records. The authorization for release of protected health information is sometimes referred to as the PSA Authorization or PSA Release. This is a written document that designates who, besides yourself; you have authorized access to your medical information. These people can and usually do consist of you love ones, your personal representative, the trustees of your trust, including your disability trustee, and any and all successor trustees.

Some healthcare providers have refused to release information, even to spouses and adult children authorized by the Healthcare Power of Attorney, citing the restrictions of the 1996 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. To ensure seamless incapacity planning, it is advisable to execute a HIPAA authorization form that grants medical information release to your agents, successor trustees, family members, or any other individuals you designate.