The King Washington Hippo Release Form for Mental Health is a vital document that ensures the privacy and confidentiality of a patient's mental health records in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This form serves as written permission from the patient, allowing their mental health provider to disclose or share their protected health information (PHI) with specified individuals or organizations. This release form is designed to protect the patient's rights and ensure that their information remains secure while allowing necessary communication between healthcare professionals involved in their mental health treatment. It follows stringent guidelines set by HIPAA to safeguard sensitive information such as psychiatric evaluations, therapy sessions, medication history, and any other records pertaining to their mental health. The King Washington Hippo Release Form for Mental Health is crucial in cases where coordination of care is required, such as when a patient needs to share their mental health information with another healthcare provider, family member, or legal authority involved in their treatment or legal proceedings. It serves as a legal consent form, giving the mental health provider the authority to disclose relevant information to the specified individuals or organizations mentioned in the document. There may be different types or variations of the King Washington Hippo Release Form for Mental Health, depending on the specific purpose or situation. Some different types include: 1. Standard Release Form: This is the most commonly used form, allowing the general release of mental health information to designated parties involved in the patient's treatment or care coordination. 2. Emergency Release Form: This form is utilized in situations where immediate access to an individual's mental health records is necessary due to a life-threatening emergency or imminent harm. It grants immediate permission for the release of information to facilitate timely treatment. 3. Family Member Release Form: This form specifically authorizes disclosure of mental health information to family members or significant others involved in the patient's support system, often crucial for comprehensive and effective treatment. 4. Legal Proceedings Release Form: This type of form permits the disclosure of mental health information related to a patient's legal proceedings, such as court cases or disability claims. It ensures that the necessary information is shared appropriately and within the boundaries of the law. The King Washington Hippo Release Form for Mental Health exemplifies the commitment to patient privacy and confidentiality while enabling effective communication and collaboration among healthcare providers involved in a patient's mental health treatment.