The Michigan MC 315 form, also known as the Authorization for Release of Medical Information, is a document used in the state of Michigan to give consent for the disclosure of medical records. It is commonly utilized within the judicial system, particularly in cases where medical information is relevant to a lawsuit. By signing this form, a patient allows a specified party, such as a doctor, hospital, or other custodian of medical records, to release their medical information to another party named in the form.
The person whose medical records are to be released, known in the form as the "patient," must sign the MC 315 form. If the patient is unable to sign due to reasons such as being underage or not having the legal capacity, a personal representative who has the authority to act on behalf of the patient may sign the form instead. The form must clearly state the authority under which the personal representative is acting.
The MC 315 form allows for the release of a wide range of medical information. This includes but is not limited to records on alcohol and drug abuse, psychological records, social work documents, and information regarding HIV, AIDS, ARC, and other communicable diseases. It is essential for the form to specify the types of medical information to be released, including relevant dates where appropriate.
How long is the authorization valid?
Once signed, the authorization granted by the MC 315 form is valid for a period of 60 days. This time frame is established to ensure the information is used within a relevant period to the lawsuit or judicial matter at hand. After these 60 days, the authorization expires unless explicitly renewed or extended.
Can the authorization be revoked?
Yes, the authorization to release medical information can be revoked at any time by the patient or their authorized representative. However, it is important to note that the revocation will not affect any actions that were already taken based on the consent provided before the revocation. To revoke the authorization, a written notification must be sent to the doctor, hospital, or other custodian of medical information who was authorized to release the information.
Upon signing the MC 315 form, medical information will be made available to the party specified in the form. This can happen in two ways: the custodian of the records will either make the medical information reasonably available for inspection and copying or deliver the original information or a true and exact copy of it to the requesting party. It is also crucial to understand that once the information is released, there is potential for it to be redisclosed by the recipient, which is why the form includes a warning about this possibility.