Which is typically a requirement for a valid medical record disclosure?

A signed patient authorization is typically a requirement for a valid medical record disclosure because it is the legal documentation that grants permission for healthcare providers to share patient information with third parties. This requirement ensures that the patient's privacy rights are upheld and that they have control over their own medical information. The signed authorization must generally include specific information, such as what information is to be disclosed, to whom it is being disclosed, and the purpose of the disclosure, helping to maintain compliance with laws like HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States.

In contrast to this, other options like an internal review, verbal consent, or a legal memorandum do not suffice as standalone requirements for the disclosure of medical records. An internal review may be conducted for quality assurance or administrative purposes but does not constitute patient consent. Verbal consent, while sometimes acceptable in certain situations, is often not considered sufficient on its own for disclosure of medical records, especially where documentation of consent is mandated. Lastly, a legal memorandum is typically a document used for legal purposes and does not serve as a means of patient authorization for record disclosure.