What must be included when a patient or authorized person signs to release medical information?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of documenting the date when a patient or authorized person signs to release medical information. This date serves several critical functions: it establishes a timeline for the release of information, which is essential for both the patient and healthcare providers in maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. Without a proper date, it could lead to confusion regarding when consent was given, potentially impacting the validity of the release.

In a healthcare context, a release of medical information is often subject to specific regulations and timelines. Including the date helps to ensure compliance with policies and procedures concerning confidentiality and patient rights. This can also be crucial in legal situations, where the timing of consent may matter.

While other elements like initials or telephone numbers could be relevant in certain circumstances, they do not carry the same level of necessity as the date. Initials might not provide adequate identification of the person granting consent, and while a telephone number might be helpful for follow-up, it is not a requirement for the validity of the consent itself. A physician's signature, while important in many contexts, is not required for a patient's release of information; it is the patient's signature that affirms consent.