Medical Release Forms: Fill In

Two Types of Release Forms

There are two types of medical release forms that are most commonly in use:

• The first type of release form is designed to provide express consent to another adult to authorize medical care for your child. This is especially important if your child is in that adult's care, or if the child is participating in an organized activity such as sports, outside your supervision. Without this authorization, there may be avoidable delays and even brick walls that might stop treatment if your child is involved in an accident or otherwise requires immediate medical attention.
• The second type of form is designed to authorize access to your medical records. In this case, the form gives your medical or dental provider permission to give a third party access to your medical records. You might use a similar form to block access to these records.

How to Fill in Medical Release Forms

Read Through the Form

1. Read through the entire form. Many forms will explain how the information will be used, and may even point out the potential consequences of not submitting the form. It is important to ask questions if any part of the medical release form is unclear to you.

Give the Required Information

2. The information required varies on different types of medical release forms: Fill in all the information that is specific to that particular form and be sure to tailor your information's content based on the question asked. For example, on a release form that authorizes emergency medical attention, you may need to enter your health insurance information. You may also need to enter vital information that will be vital to help medical professionals do their job. On a release form that authorizes access to your medical records, you may need to indicate the specific information that can or cannot be released.

Biographical Information

3. Almost all medical release forms will have a section that requires biographical data. This section is pretty straightforward. Enter the requested identifying information such as name, age, gender, and contact information. Depending on the purpose of the release form, you may have to provide even more confidential information such as your social security number.

Technical Details

4. There may be empty boxes or sections on the form that are strictly for administrative purposes. Make sure that you do not write in these, or you may have to fill out fresh forms all over again.

5. Sign and date the form. Each form has to be signed by an adult. If the subject of the form is a minor, a custodial parent, guardian or other legally-recognized representative will have to sign it. If the adult is considered legally-incompetent, then a legal guardian or another legally-recognized representative should sign the release form. In either case, the person signing the form may have to provide proof of a legal relationship that gives authority to sign, such as a parent or a guardian. Always enter the date that the form was signed. Signing the form typically indicates that you have read and understood its contents and that you verify that any information you provide is accurate to the best of your knowledge.

6. Some release forms will require that the signing of the form be witnessed by at least one other adult or by a notary public. If this requirement is not met, the form may be deemed null and void. The witness may need to provide contact information in case the signature needs to be confirmed.

Medical Release Forms: Fill In Correctly and Accurately

A medical release form is a legally-binding document. In the event of litigation, any incorrect or falsified information may seriously jeopardize your case.