The Mississippi Authority for Release of Medical Information (MARIS) is a legal document that grants permission for the release of a patient's medical information in the state of Mississippi. This authorization is necessary when individuals want their healthcare providers to share their medical records, test results, and other health-related information with other parties, such as insurance companies, schools, or other healthcare providers. MARIS ensures that patients have control over the privacy of their personal health information and allows them to make informed decisions about the disclosure of their medical records. It protects patients' rights as outlined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other state and federal regulations. Under the MARIS, there are different types of authorizations for release of medical information that patients can choose based on their specific needs. Some common types include: 1. General Authorization: This type of authorization allows the release of a patient's medical information for various purposes, such as sharing records with another healthcare provider, obtaining insurance coverage, or providing medical information to a legal representative. 2. Limited Authorization: This authorization restricts the release of medical information to specific purposes or individuals. For example, a patient may authorize the release of certain records to an insurance company for the purpose of processing a claim but not allow access to other sensitive information. 3. Research Authorization: If a patient wishes to participate in medical research studies, they may need to provide a specific research authorization. This allows researchers to access and analyze the patient's medical records for the purpose of the study, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. 4. Guardianship Authorization: In cases where an individual lacks the capacity to provide consent, a guardian may be authorized to release medical information on their behalf. This ensures appropriate access to medical records while still protecting the patient's rights. It is important to note that the MARIS is a legal document, and patients should carefully review and understand the terms before signing. Patients have the right to modify or revoke their authorization at any time, except in cases where the information has already been disclosed. This authority for the release of medical information is an essential tool in maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of patients' medical records while allowing for necessary sharing of information for treatment, research, and insurance purposes.