Guide to HIPAA Authorizations for Estate Planning and Probate
HIPAA authorizations let family members or designated agents access a person’s medical information during planning or after incapacity. In estate planning and probate matters, properly drafted HIPAA release forms ensure that healthcare providers can lawfully share records with those handling medical decisions or settling an estate. Without clear authorizations, loved ones can face delays, denied requests, and added stress while navigating hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies. This page explains how HIPAA authorizations fit into broader estate planning work and what Millersville residents should consider when creating workable, durable releases that match Tennessee requirements and protect privacy while permitting necessary access.
Many families discover the need for HIPAA authorizations only once a medical emergency or probate matter arises, which can leave decision makers unprepared. A well-drafted HIPAA form complements a health care power of attorney and advance directive by clarifying who may receive medical records and for what purpose. For individuals in Millersville and surrounding areas, combining these documents provides a smoother path for medical decision making and estate administration. This overview highlights common uses for HIPAA authorizations, potential pitfalls to avoid, and practical steps to help ensure records are accessible when needed by appointed representatives or family members.
Why HIPAA Authorizations Matter in Estate Planning
HIPAA authorizations reduce friction when medical information is needed for treatment decisions, insurance claims, or probate administration. They prevent delays by giving named individuals a clear legal basis to request records, communicate with providers, and obtain copies of health information. In estate and probate contexts, access to records can be necessary to establish cause of death, verify care expenses, or support beneficiary claims. These authorizations also help preserve privacy controls by specifying which records may be shared, for how long, and for what purposes. Taken together, a thoughtful HIPAA release offers both practical access and targeted privacy protection for clients and families.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to HIPAA Authorizations
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves Millersville and the greater Hendersonville area, focusing on estate planning and probate matters that include HIPAA authorizations. The firm helps clients prepare clear, legally compliant forms tailored to individual circumstances, whether planning ahead or responding to an immediate need. Our approach centers on practical solutions that align with Tennessee law and the family’s goals, including coordinating HIPAA releases with powers of attorney and advance directives. We aim to minimize administrative obstacles and ensure the right people can access necessary health information when decisions need to be made or an estate must be administered.
Understanding HIPAA Authorizations and Their Role
A HIPAA authorization is a written permission that allows health care providers to disclose an individual’s protected health information to designated persons or entities. This authorization can be limited to specific types of records, timeframes, or purposes, such as medical treatment, billing, or legal proceedings. In estate planning, these authorizations are frequently used to allow a personal representative, agent under a power of attorney, or family member to obtain medical records necessary for decision making, claims, or probate administration. Understanding the scope and limitations of these forms helps ensure they function as intended when access is needed.
HIPAA authorizations interact with other estate planning documents and with state laws governing incapacity and probate. While a health care power of attorney permits an agent to make medical decisions, a separate HIPAA authorization is often required for the release of medical records. In some situations, a court order may also be necessary, particularly when disputes arise or when records are held by entities that require additional legal authority. Careful drafting and clear identification of authorized recipients reduce the risk of denial and streamline access to needed medical information during critical moments.
Defining HIPAA Authorizations and How They Work
A HIPAA authorization is a formal document that identifies the health information to be disclosed, the parties authorized to receive it, the purpose of the disclosure, and the duration of the authorization. The form must include specific language required by the federal Privacy Rule in many cases and should be signed and dated by the individual or their legal representative. The authorization gives providers a clear basis to release records that would otherwise remain protected. Thoughtful drafting helps avoid ambiguous terms and ensures health care organizations understand the scope of permitted disclosures.
Key Elements and Steps for Using HIPAA Authorizations
Effective HIPAA authorizations name the individual whose records are at issue, identify authorized recipients, describe the records or categories of information, state the purpose for disclosure, and include an expiration date or event. The process often involves verifying identity, presenting the signed authorization to the provider, and following provider-specific procedures for record release. In estate or probate matters, it can also involve coordinating with the personal representative or probate court to establish authority. Taking these steps in advance reduces delays and helps ensure records are available when needed for decision making or legal processes.
Key Terms and Glossary for HIPAA Authorizations
Familiarity with common terms improves communication with medical providers and legal professionals. This short glossary explains frequently used phrases such as ‘protected health information’ and ‘personal representative’ so clients understand what records can be released and who may receive them. Clear definitions help avoid misunderstanding and make it easier to prepare documents that align with practical needs. Reviewing these terms ahead of time supports smoother interactions during an emergency or when managing an estate.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected health information, or PHI, refers to any information about a person’s medical condition, treatment, or payment for healthcare that can identify that person. PHI covers paper and electronic records, billing information, test results, and clinical notes. HIPAA authorizations control disclosure of PHI to designated recipients for specified purposes. Understanding what constitutes PHI helps in drafting authorizations that permit necessary access while maintaining appropriate privacy protections and limiting unnecessary disclosure of sensitive details.
Personal Representative
A personal representative is someone who has legal authority to act on behalf of an individual, often appointed through a power of attorney or by a probate court as an estate administrator. In the context of HIPAA authorizations, a personal representative may be authorized to request medical records or receive copies of PHI to make informed medical decisions or to manage estate affairs. Properly documenting that authority through signed authorizations and related estate planning documents helps providers respond promptly to legitimate record requests.
Authorization Expiration and Revocation
Authorizations usually include an expiration date or event, such as the conclusion of a legal matter or the individual’s death. The person who signed the authorization can generally revoke it at any time in writing, except to the extent that providers have acted in reliance on the authorization. Clear instructions about how and when an authorization ends help avoid confusion and ensure records are only shared for appropriate periods and purposes, preserving both access when needed and privacy when access is no longer desired.
Minimum Necessary Rule
The minimum necessary rule encourages providers to limit disclosures to only the information needed to accomplish the intended purpose. When drafting a HIPAA authorization, specifying particular records or categories of information helps providers comply with this principle. Narrowly tailored authorizations reduce the risk of over-sharing sensitive data while still permitting authorized recipients to obtain the documentation required for treatment, claims processing, or legal proceedings related to an estate or probate matter.
Comparing Options: Limited Releases Versus Broader Authorizations
Choosing between a narrowly tailored HIPAA release and a broader authorization depends on the client’s goals and the likely uses of medical information. A limited release might only permit disclosure for a single purpose or to a single provider, which can reduce unnecessary exposure of sensitive details. A broader authorization covers multiple providers or purposes, which can simplify access but increases the range of information shared. Evaluating the trade-offs and coordinating authorizations with a power of attorney and advance directive helps create a balanced plan that fits the family’s needs and reduces administrative burdens when records are requested.
When a Limited HIPAA Authorization May Be Appropriate:
Single-Purpose Disclosure Needs
A limited authorization works well when you know the exact records and recipients needed for a single task, such as obtaining records for a discrete insurance claim or for a specific provider’s review. Limiting the scope reduces the possibility that sensitive information will be shared beyond what is necessary. This approach is suitable for clients who want to preserve privacy while still enabling a narrow set of actions. It can be a helpful choice where the record need is temporary and clearly defined, and where future disclosures are unlikely or can be handled separately.
Concerns About Broad Disclosure
A narrowly drafted authorization is often preferred when individuals are concerned about broad access to their medical history or particularly sensitive information. By specifying types of records and limiting recipients, the authorization helps prevent blanket disclosures. This is especially relevant when family dynamics or privacy preferences suggest care in who receives information. Limited releases provide control and reassurance while still permitting necessary access for targeted tasks, and they can be updated or expanded if broader releases become necessary later.
Why a Comprehensive Approach to Records Access Can Be Beneficial:
Coordinated Planning Across Documents
A comprehensive approach aligns HIPAA authorizations with powers of attorney, advance directives, and estate planning documents to ensure consistent authority and effective access to records when needed. Coordinating these documents reduces confusion among providers and family members and helps ensure that agents and personal representatives can carry out their duties without unnecessary legal hurdles. This approach is particularly helpful for individuals with complex medical histories or when multiple providers and institutions may hold relevant records during a healthcare crisis or probate process.
Preparing for Unanticipated Situations
Comprehensive planning anticipates scenarios that may require access to records by different parties over time, such as during long hospitalizations, disability, or after death for probate purposes. Including clear HIPAA authorizations as part of an overall estate plan helps ensure records can be accessed quickly by designated individuals without repeated paperwork or court involvement. This foresight can reduce delays, avoid unnecessary stress, and allow decisions to be made with fuller information, improving outcomes for families and administrators handling estate matters.
Benefits of Using a Comprehensive Records Access Plan
A comprehensive plan provides consistent authority across medical and legal documents so that agents and representatives can act efficiently. This reduces the risk of conflicting instructions or gaps that could hinder access to medical records essential for care decisions or estate administration. Clear, coordinated documents also make it easier for providers to verify authority and release records without delay. For families in Millersville and surrounding communities, this approach helps streamline interactions with hospitals, clinics, and insurers and supports timely decision making when it matters most.
Beyond administrative convenience, a coordinated strategy protects privacy while ensuring necessary disclosures occur for treatment, claims, or legal matters. Properly aligned authorizations and directives reduce the likelihood of disputes over access and provide continuity if circumstances change. This can be particularly valuable in situations involving multiple caregivers or complex family dynamics. Documenting anticipated needs in advance helps reduce uncertainty, making it simpler for loved ones to focus on care and estate matters rather than navigating procedural obstacles during stressful times.
Improved Access for Decision Makers
When HIPAA authorizations are integrated into a broader estate plan, the people responsible for decisions have faster, more reliable access to medical records. That access supports informed medical and financial choices, helps with insurance claims and billing disputes, and provides documentation needed in probate. Clear documentation reduces the time providers spend verifying authority, which can be especially important during urgent medical situations. This practical advantage helps families act quickly and reduces administrative burdens during emotionally difficult periods.
Reduced Risk of Access Obstacles
A coordinated records access plan reduces the chance that providers will refuse to release information or request a court order to establish authority. By anticipating common documentation requirements and aligning authorizations with powers of attorney and estate designations, families can avoid many typical obstacles. Clear, properly executed forms minimize misunderstandings and make it easier for staff at hospitals and clinics to follow procedures for disclosure. That practical reduction in friction can make a meaningful difference during care transitions or when settling an estate.
Practice Areas
Top Searched Keywords
- HIPAA authorization Millersville
- Millersville estate planning HIPAA
- medical records release Tennessee
- HIPAA release form probate
- healthcare privacy authorization Millersville
- power of attorney medical records
- estate administration medical records
- Jay Johnson Law Firm HIPAA
- accessing medical records after death
Practical Tips for Using HIPAA Authorizations
Be specific about the records and recipients
When preparing a HIPAA authorization, name the exact types of records and the specific people or organizations authorized to receive them. Vague language can lead to denials or delays, so specify whether the authorization covers only certain dates, providers, or types of information such as test results or billing records. Also include a clear purpose for the disclosure to help providers understand why information is being requested. Taking time to tailor the form reduces back-and-forth with medical offices and helps ensure authorized individuals can obtain the documentation they need when the time comes.
Coordinate authorizations with other estate documents
Review and update authorizations regularly
Circumstances change over time, so review HIPAA authorizations periodically to confirm that named recipients, expiration dates, and scope still reflect your wishes. Update forms after major life events such as marriage, divorce, relocation, or changes in medical providers. If an authorized person is no longer appropriate, revoke the authorization in writing and notify providers as soon as possible. Routine review ensures your documents remain effective and prevents unintended disclosures or access gaps when records are needed for care decisions or estate administration.
Reasons to Include HIPAA Authorizations in Your Plan
Including HIPAA authorizations with an estate plan ensures that designated individuals can obtain medical records without unnecessary delay or legal hurdles. Access to health information can be essential for immediate treatment decisions, insurance claims, and for documenting care expenses relevant to probate. Authorizations provide a clear legal basis for providers to release records, which reduces friction when timing matters. For Millersville residents, these forms also help coordinate communication among local hospitals, clinics, and caregivers, improving the flow of information during stressful healthcare or estate events.
Another important reason to consider HIPAA authorizations is to protect privacy while still allowing necessary disclosures. Carefully drafted forms can limit the type of information shared and specify recipients and purposes, reducing the risk of over-disclosure. This measured balance helps family members carry out duties and supports administrators handling estates without unnecessarily exposing sensitive medical history. Taking these proactive steps as part of a comprehensive plan can save time, reduce disputes, and provide clarity for everyone involved in medical and legal decisions.
Common Situations Where HIPAA Authorizations Are Needed
There are several common circumstances in which HIPAA authorizations become necessary, such as when a loved one is hospitalized and family members need records to coordinate care, when an insurance claim requires detailed medical documentation, or when an estate is opened and the personal representative must gather health records for probate. Other situations include transfer of care between specialists, resolving billing disputes, or when legal matters require proof of treatment. Preparing authorizations in advance reduces delay and helps authorized individuals obtain the documentation they need quickly and efficiently.
Hospitalization or Incapacity
During hospitalization or periods of incapacity, family members and designated agents often need immediate access to medical information to support treatment decisions and communicate with care teams. A signed HIPAA authorization provides the legal basis for providers to share records and can speed the flow of information between doctors, hospitals, and family members. Having this documentation in place before an emergency can remove administrative obstacles and allow loved ones to focus on the patient’s care rather than on paperwork.
Probate and Estate Administration
When an estate is opened, the personal representative or administrator may need medical records to verify dates of illness, treatment, or cause of death, and to document care-related expenses. HIPAA authorizations help ensure that hospitals, physicians, and other providers are able to release the necessary records to the person handling the estate. Properly executed releases can reduce the need for court orders and streamline the process of gathering documentation required for probate filings and estate administration tasks.
Insurance Claims and Billing Disputes
Insurance claims and billing disputes often require detailed medical records to verify services rendered, treatments authorized, and charges billed. A HIPAA authorization enables an authorized person to obtain the specific records needed to pursue claims, resolve disputes, or support appeals. Clear documentation of medical events and billing can improve the chances of prompt resolution with insurers and health care providers, avoiding prolonged administrative delays that can be stressful for families managing care and financial obligations.
Millersville HIPAA Authorizations and Estate Planning Help
Jay Johnson Law Firm is available to assist Millersville residents with drafting, reviewing, and updating HIPAA authorizations as part of a broader estate planning strategy. We can explain how authorizations work with powers of attorney and advance directives, help tailor forms to specific needs, and guide you through the process of presenting documents to health care providers. Our goal is to provide straightforward guidance so that when medical or probate matters arise, the right people can access necessary records without unnecessary obstacles, allowing families to focus on care and responsibilities.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for HIPAA Authorizations
Clients choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for practical, clear legal assistance with estate planning and records access. The firm helps create HIPAA authorizations that align with Tennessee law and the client’s broader estate plan, ensuring that documents work together and reduce administrative burdens for family members. Our work emphasizes clear language and sensible scope so providers can respond to requests efficiently. For individuals in Millersville and Hendersonville, this approach helps minimize delays during critical healthcare situations or when managing estate matters.
When preparing authorizations, we focus on anticipating likely needs and preventing common pitfalls such as overly broad or ambiguous language. We can recommend practical expiration terms, appropriate recipients, and coordination with other legal documents to ensure consistency. This planning reduces the need for repeated paperwork and helps avoid situations where providers require additional verification or court involvement. Our goal is to provide documents that are clear, practical, and tailored to each client’s circumstances and priorities.
We also assist with revocation and updating processes, so clients know how to change recipients, limit scopes, or revoke authorizations when circumstances change. Whether you are preparing documents for future peace of mind or need assistance in a current medical or probate matter, the firm offers guided support through the necessary steps. Clear recordkeeping and straightforward procedures help families respond quickly when access to medical records becomes necessary for care or estate administration.
Contact Jay Johnson Law Firm to Discuss HIPAA Authorizations
How We Handle HIPAA Authorizations and Related Documents
Our process begins with a conversation to understand your goals and identify who should have access to medical records. We review existing estate planning documents to ensure consistency and then draft HIPAA authorizations that match your needs and Tennessee requirements. After execution, we provide guidance on presenting the forms to providers and on best practices for storing and updating documents. If needed, we also assist in obtaining records or resolving provider questions to ensure authorized individuals can access information when necessary.
Step One: Initial Consultation and Document Review
During the initial meeting, we review your current estate planning documents and discuss who may need access to health information. This includes identifying potential healthcare agents, personal representatives, and any third parties who may require records for treatment, billing, or probate purposes. We assess whether existing forms are adequate or need revision, and recommend a tailored authorization scope that balances access with privacy. Clear planning at this stage prevents confusion and streamlines later requests for records.
Discussing Needs and Identifying Recipients
We take time to identify who should be authorized to receive medical information and for what purpose. That includes family members, caregivers, agents under power of attorney, or legal representatives handling an estate. By clarifying these roles early, we can draft authorizations that reflect real-world needs and avoid names or roles that may lead to provider confusion. This careful identification helps ensure records are accessible to the right people at the right time.
Reviewing Existing Documents for Consistency
We examine existing powers of attorney, advance directives, and estate documents to ensure consistent language and authority. Where inconsistencies exist, we advise on amendments or additional authorizations to align documents and avoid conflicting instructions. Consistency across documents makes it easier for medical providers and institutions to verify authority and reduces the risk of delays when records are requested for treatment or probate matters.
Step Two: Drafting and Executing HIPAA Authorizations
After identifying needs and ensuring consistency with other documents, we draft HIPAA authorizations customized to your situation. Drafting includes specifying the records covered, naming recipients, stating purposes, and setting expiration terms. We review the final forms with you, explain execution requirements, and recommend best practices for distributing and storing signed copies. Proper execution and distribution reduce the likelihood that providers will request additional verification when records are needed.
Tailoring the Authorization Language
We craft language that is clear and appropriately limited to the types of records and recipients you intend to authorize. This includes including required elements so providers can accept the form without delay and avoiding ambiguous phrases that might cause confusion. Tailored language helps protect privacy and ensures that authorized parties receive exactly the information needed for treatment, billing, or legal purposes.
Guidance on Signatures and Provider Requirements
We explain execution steps and any provider-specific requirements, such as witness or notarization preferences, and advise on how to present the authorization to hospitals and clinics. Providing clear instructions reduces the chance of rejection due to technicalities and helps ensure providers can act in reliance on the authorization. We also suggest recordkeeping methods to maintain accessible copies for authorized persons and healthcare facilities.
Step Three: Updating, Revocation, and Assistance
After execution, we recommend periodic reviews and provide assistance with revocation or updates as circumstances change. If providers refuse to release records or require further verification, we can advise on next steps, including formal revocation procedures or guidance for obtaining records through other legal channels. Ongoing support helps clients maintain effective access to medical information and ensures documents remain aligned with current wishes and legal requirements.
Revising Authorizations When Circumstances Change
Life events such as changes in relationships, relocation, or new healthcare providers may necessitate revisions to HIPAA authorizations. We assist in updating forms to reflect new recipients, modified scopes, or adjusted expiration terms. Timely revisions prevent unintended access and ensure authorized individuals remain those you trust to handle records during medical or estate matters.
Resolving Provider Questions and Access Issues
If a provider has questions or refuses release, we help clarify the authorization’s language and advise on documentation that can satisfy institutional requirements. In more complex cases, we outline legal options to obtain necessary records, including court involvement if appropriate. Our goal is to reduce delays and help authorized parties get the information needed for care, billing, or estate administration with as little friction as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About HIPAA Authorizations
What is a HIPAA authorization and why do I need one?
A HIPAA authorization is a written release that allows designated individuals or entities to access a person’s protected health information. It specifies who may receive records, the types of information to be disclosed, the purpose of disclosure, and the timeframe covered. This authorization gives hospitals and other providers the legal basis to share medical records that would otherwise remain private under federal privacy rules. Signing a HIPAA authorization is particularly important in estate planning and probate because it allows personal representatives or agents to obtain records needed for decision making, claims, or estate administration. Without a valid authorization, providers may refuse to release records or require a court order, which can delay important actions and add expense and stress during already difficult times.
How does a HIPAA authorization differ from a health care power of attorney?
A health care power of attorney appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so, while a HIPAA authorization specifically permits the release of medical records to named parties. The two documents often work together: an agent under a power of attorney may also need a HIPAA authorization to access written medical history or billing records needed to carry out decisions. Because the authorization addresses the disclosure of documents rather than decision-making authority, both documents are commonly used in tandem. Preparing them together ensures that an appointed decision maker can both receive information and act based on that information, reducing practical obstacles when timing matters.
Can I limit what information is shared with a HIPAA authorization?
Yes, HIPAA authorizations can and often should be limited to specific types of information, providers, dates, or purposes. For example, you may authorize release of records only from a particular hospital, only for treatment within a certain date range, or only for insurance claim purposes. Limiting the scope helps preserve privacy and reduces unnecessary sharing of sensitive details. Being specific also helps providers respond more quickly because the request is clear and narrowly tailored. If broader access becomes necessary later, a new or amended authorization can be executed to expand the scope while keeping initial disclosures limited and controlled.
How long does a HIPAA authorization remain valid and can it be revoked?
HIPAA authorizations typically include an expiration date or event, such as a specific date, the resolution of a legal matter, or the signer’s death. The person who signed the authorization generally has the right to revoke it at any time in writing, though the revocation does not affect disclosures already made in reliance on the authorization. Including clear expiration and revocation instructions helps manage ongoing access and future privacy concerns. If you need to revoke or change an authorization, notify providers in writing and provide the updated documentation as soon as possible. Prompt communication and recordkeeping help prevent unintended disclosures and ensure that only currently authorized individuals can access medical records.
What should I do if a provider refuses to release records despite a signed authorization?
If a provider refuses to release records despite a signed HIPAA authorization, first confirm that the form meets the provider’s requirements and contains all necessary elements. Some institutions have specific forms or identification procedures that must be followed. Providing a copy of related documents, such as powers of attorney or estate appointment papers, can also help clarify authority. If the issue persists, document your requests and the provider’s response and seek legal guidance to determine the next steps. In some cases, additional documentation or a court order may be required to obtain records, and legal assistance can help navigate those options as effectively as possible.
Do HIPAA authorizations need to be notarized in Tennessee?
Notarization is not universally required for HIPAA authorizations under federal law, but some providers or institutions may request notarized signatures or witnesses to confirm identity and prevent fraud. Tennessee requirements may vary by facility, so it is prudent to ask hospitals, clinics, or insurers about any specific formalities they require for accepting releases of medical information. When in doubt, obtaining notarization is a precaution that can reduce the likelihood of a provider rejecting a form for technical reasons. We can advise on when notarization or additional witness signatures might be appropriate based on the institutions involved and the nature of the records requested.
Who should be named as an authorized recipient on a HIPAA form?
Name persons who will realistically need access to medical records, such as a spouse, adult children, close relatives, appointed agents under a power of attorney, or the personal representative of an estate. Also consider including attorneys, accountants, or other professionals if they will be involved in claims, billing disputes, or probate administration. Being clear about recipients avoids ambiguity and helps providers respond efficiently. Consider naming alternates in case the primary person is unavailable and make sure the named recipients understand their responsibilities and have copies of signed forms. Clear designation and communication help ensure access when records are needed for care or estate matters.
Can HIPAA authorizations be used after a person’s death for probate purposes?
HIPAA authorizations can be drafted to permit disclosure after death, which is often useful for probate and estate administration. Authorizations that explicitly include post-mortem disclosures streamline the process of obtaining records needed to support estate matters, claims, or determinations related to cause of death. Including explicit post-death language reduces ambiguity and helps institutions understand they may release records to the appointed personal representative or other named recipients. If an authorization does not address post-mortem access, obtaining records may require additional documentation such as letters testamentary or court orders. Including post-death provisions in advance prevents delays and facilitates efficient estate administration.
How do I ensure my HIPAA forms are accepted by hospitals and clinics?
To improve acceptance by hospitals and clinics, ensure the authorization contains required elements such as the signer’s name, specific description of records, named recipients, purpose of disclosure, signature and date, and an expiration term. Ask the relevant institutions if they have a preferred form or additional identity verification steps, and follow those instructions when presenting the authorization. Providing clear, properly executed copies to providers in advance can reduce administrative delays. Keeping signed copies accessible to authorized individuals, and delivering them to primary care providers and hospitals, helps staff locate and process requests quickly. Consistent documentation and clear communication with providers increases the likelihood of prompt record release when needed.
What information should I keep with my HIPAA authorization copies?
Keep executed copies of HIPAA authorizations with your estate planning documents and provide copies to named recipients, primary care providers, and hospitals where appropriate. It is also wise to keep an electronic copy in a secure location so it can be accessed if paper copies are unavailable. Clear labeling and consistent storage reduce delays when records are needed for treatment or probate matters. Additionally, keep a record of when and where copies were provided and confirm with recipients that they received the documents. Periodic review and updating of stored copies help ensure that authorized individuals have current forms and that any revoked or superseded authorizations are not relied upon in error.