Release of Information – Frequently Asked Questions
A Release of Information is a form that must be completed for any protected health information (PHI) to be disclosed to any person or organization besides the client themselves. Mindful Therapy Group requires written authorization from the client prior to disclosing any protected health information (PHI).
Without a completed Release of Information, Mindful Therapy Group can not disclose any of your protected health information (PHI) to other parties. If you want another person to assist with scheduling your appointments, have someone else that you would like to pay your bills, or want someone to have access to your clinical records, you will need to complete a Release of Information giving them permission to access that information.
Without a signed Release of Information, Mindful Therapy Group can only disclose information directly to you, to third parties for coordination of payment (i.e. your insurance company), or to emergency services (in the event of an emergency).
You can choose to release your medical records to anyone. Most commonly a Release of Information is completed for family members, schools, or other providers/medical facilities.
The default age of consent for a child to make their own healthcare decisions is 18.
This means that until your child turns 18, parents or guardians generally have decision-making authority. However, once they reach the age of consent, they may gain the right to make certain healthcare choices and control who can access their records without parental involvement.
In addition, some states have exceptions that may grant minors these rights before age 18, such as:
- The “mature minor” rule (where a provider determines the minor is mature enough to make certain healthcare decisions).
- Legal emancipation or financial independence.
- Emergencies where treatment is needed.
- Provider determination that releasing information to a parent is not in the client’s best interest.
Because of these laws, parents or guardians may not automatically have access to scheduling or medical records once a child reaches the applicable age. For information to be shared, the minor must complete a Release of Information (ROI) form giving permission.
State-Specific Information
While 18 is the default age of consent, each state may set different rules for behavioral health care. You can review your state’s regulations here:
Note for Clients
These summaries are provided as a general guide. The exact application of the law may vary depending on individual circumstances. If you have questions about your situation, please refer directly to your state’s laws or contact your care team.
Washington state law requires that when a client turns 13 that their record becomes private and only accessible by them. We will proactively reach out before a client turns 13 to ensure we have their contact information on file and that they understand the need to complete a Release of Information if they want their parent/guardian to continue to be involved in their care. It is the client’s decision once they turn 13 regarding what information they allow another party to have access to.
Unless otherwise specified, a completed Release of Information is valid for the duration of treatment with Mindful Therapy Group. Clients can select a specific expiration date or event that will terminate the ROI.
Written request is required to revoke a previously authorized Release of Information. Please complete and return the Revocation of Authorization for Release of Information form if you would like to revoke a previously authorized ROI. The requested revocation will not be effective until MTG confirms in writing that the revocation has been received and processed.
Arizona
Colorado
Nevada
Oregon
