Which principle is foundational to the Authorization for Release of Medical Information?

The principle of informed consent is foundational to the Authorization for Release of Medical Information because it ensures that patients are fully aware of, and agree to, the disclosure of their personal health information to third parties. Informed consent requires that individuals understand what information will be shared, with whom it will be shared, and the purpose of the disclosure. This principle respects patient autonomy and supports the ethical obligation of healthcare providers to empower patients in their own care decisions.

Informed consent is critical in the healthcare context because it not only protects individual rights but also promotes trust in the patient-provider relationship. When patients are informed and voluntarily consent to share their medical information, they actively participate in their healthcare process, leading to better compliance and satisfaction with treatment.

Other principles, such as transparency, minimization of data, and data retention, are important in their own contexts but do not encompass the same level of patient autonomy and ethical obligation that informed consent does in relation to the release of medical information.