The San Bernardino California Authority for Release of Medical Information is a crucial legal document that enables individuals to authorize the disclosure of their medical records and information to certain authorized individuals or organizations. This formal document ensures the privacy and confidentiality of an individual's medical history, allowing them to control who has access to their sensitive health information. San Bernardino California recognizes different types of authorities for the release of medical information to ensure compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and other relevant laws. These types include: 1. General Authorization: This type of release allows individuals to authorize the disclosure of their overall medical information to specific individuals or entities. It covers a wide range of medical records, including but not limited to patient history, diagnoses, treatments, lab results, and discharge summaries. 2. Specifically Limited Authorization: This category grants individuals the ability to specify which medical information they want to release and to whom. It allows them to select specific records or types of records, such as diagnostic images, lab tests, or treatment notes, and determine the recipients of this information. This type is commonly used when individuals want to grant limited access to their medical records. 3. Psychiatric/Mental Health Authorization: This specific authorization addresses medical records related to psychiatric or mental health treatment. It allows individuals to grant permission for the disclosure of psychiatric evaluations, therapy notes, medication history, and other sensitive mental health records. 4. Substance Abuse Treatment Authorization: This type of authorization is unique to individuals seeking or receiving treatment for substance abuse. It permits the release of confidential substance abuse treatment records, including counseling notes, drug test results, and treatment plans, which are typically protected under additional state and federal regulations. The San Bernardino California Authority for Release of Medical Information provides a comprehensive framework for individuals to control and manage the sharing of their medical information. By leveraging these release types, individuals can safeguard their privacy while ensuring appropriate access to their health records by authorized parties.