Medical Records Release Authorisation Form

Medical Records Release Authorisation Form Template

If you’ve ever tried to get hold of your medical records, you’ll know it can be a bit of a maze. Whether you’re changing GP, moving abroad, making an insurance claim, or you simply want a copy of your own medical records, someone, somewhere, will ask for written permission. That’s where this Medical Records Release Authorisation Form comes in. It’s just a straightforward document that lets you say, in writing, who can see your information, what they can see, and why.

It works for both paper files and digital medical records, including EMRs – that’s electronic medical records – stored by your GP, hospital, or other healthcare provider. You fill in your details, say who should receive the information, explain what’s being shared, and sign it. Nothing complicated.

You might need it if your solicitor is dealing with a personal injury claim and needs a copy of your GP records. Or maybe your insurer is assessing a treatment cost and needs access to your my health record. Some people use it so their family or carer can handle things on their behalf. The point is, this form makes sure everything’s done properly, with your consent recorded in black and white.

It’s not just about convenience either. Under UK law – specifically the Data Protection Act 2018, which includes the GDPR – medical information can’t be passed around without clear permission. There’s also the Health and Social Care Act 2012 and the Access to Health Records Act 1990, which all come down to the same thing: your personal data must be handled lawfully and transparently. This form helps everyone stay on the right side of the law.

For healthcare providers, using it means they’ve got written proof that consent was obtained before sharing anything. For patients, it gives reassurance that private information won’t go further than it should. It’s the kind of simple step that saves a lot of stress later on.

If a practice, clinic, or hospital releases information without proper consent, the penalties can be steep. The ICO can issue fines running into the millions, and it doesn’t take much for a reputational mess to follow. For individuals, it could mean personal information being sent to the wrong person – something no one wants to deal with. Filling in the authorisation form properly avoids those risks altogether.

In practice, it’s all very straightforward. Let’s say you’re changing GP. You hand over this form, your old surgery transfers your EMRs, and your new GP can pick up right where things left off. Or, if your lawyer needs medical evidence for a case, you can specify exactly which records they’re allowed to request – no unnecessary details, no over-disclosure.

This version is written in plain English, easy to edit in Microsoft Word, and suitable for both NHS and private settings. It also fits neatly within any healthcare document management system, so practices can store or process it alongside the patient file.

You can also use it to cover limited timeframes – for example, to allow your records to be shared once, or only for a few months. You can revoke it any time you like by writing to your healthcare provider. That’s entirely your call.

A few common questions

Do I really need a written form?
Yes. Healthcare providers can’t rely on a phone call or verbal agreement. It must be written and signed.

Does it cover EMRs and online systems?
It does. Whether your records are on paper or within an electronic healthcare document management system, this form covers both.

Can I limit what’s released?
Of course. You decide what’s shared and who can see it.

How long is the consent valid?
You set that- a single use, a few months, or longer.

Can I withdraw my consent later?
Yes, just write to your healthcare provider and let them know.

This isn’t a complicated legal instrument – it’s just a sensible, clearly written form that keeps everyone safe. It’s designed to work across most healthcare document management setups and ensures you stay in full control of your personal medical information.

If you’d like to keep things compliant and avoid any misunderstandings, download the Medical Records Release Authorisation Form now and have it ready whenever you need to share your medical records securely.