The Tennessee Authority for Release of Medical Information is a legal document or form that grants permission for the disclosure of an individual's medical information to other parties. This document ensures that healthcare providers comply with state and federal regulations regarding the privacy and confidentiality of medical records. The Authority for Release of Medical Information in Tennessee is governed by the Tennessee Code, specifically the Tennessee Health Care Quality Improvement Act of 1996 (Title 63, Chapter 51) and the Tennessee Health Care Decisions Act of 2004 (Title 68, Chapter 11). These laws outline the guidelines and procedures for the release of medical information, while also emphasizing the importance of patient privacy and control over their own health information. In Tennessee, there are several types of Authority for Release of Medical Information forms, each serving a specific purpose: 1. General Authorization: This type of authorization allows for the release of a patient's complete medical records to a specified individual or organization. It can be used for various purposes, such as transferring medical records between healthcare providers, for legal proceedings, or for research purposes. 2. Limited Authorization: This form grants permission for the release of specific portions of a patient's medical information. It enables the sharing of only relevant records or information necessary for a particular purpose, while keeping other parts of the medical records confidential. 3. Mental Health Information Authorization: This type of authorization is specific to mental health records. As mental health information has added sensitivity, this form allows for the release of mental health records to a designated individual or organization. It may require additional safeguards or consent due to the sensitive nature of such records. 4. Substance Abuse Treatment Information Authorization: This is a specialized authorization form that allows for the release of information related to substance abuse treatment. Given the sensitive nature of substance abuse treatment records, additional protections and consent are often required to ensure confidentiality. When completing any of this Authority for Release of Medical Information forms, it is crucial to include specific details such as the patient's name, date of birth, the purpose of the release, the time frame of the records to be released, and the recipient of the information. It is important to note that an individual's signature or consent is typically required to execute the release of medical information forms. Overall, the Tennessee Authority for Release of Medical Information serves to establish a legal framework that allows for the disclosure of an individual's medical records while safeguarding their privacy rights. This ensures that healthcare providers follow the appropriate legal and ethical guidelines when sharing medical information with other parties.