Under what condition can medical records be released to third parties?

The release of medical records to third parties is primarily governed by privacy laws and regulations, notably the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States. These laws stipulate that a patient's medical records can only be shared with third parties if there is explicit consent from the patient.

This written consent from the patient serves as a safeguard for their privacy, ensuring that they have control over who can access their sensitive health information. Consent must be informed and voluntary, typically requiring the patient to sign a document specifying who can receive the information and for what purpose.

The other options present conditions that do not meet the legal requirements for releasing medical records. A phone call from the patient is not sufficient to meet this standard, as written documentation is necessary. Automatic release after a certain time frame is also not applicable; privacy laws do not allow for such automatic disclosure without consent. Lastly, while a healthcare provider may have access to medical records for treatment purposes, the question pertains to releasing records to third parties, which still necessitates the patient's written consent. This reinforces the principle of patient autonomy and confidentiality in the handling of health information.