Informed consent is needed to release mental health treatment records.

• A. Informed consent for records
• B. Authorization to release drug test results
• C. Recordkeeping
• D. Quarterly progress reports

Answer: (A)

Releasing mental health treatment records is protected by strict confidentiality rules, so you must obtain the client’s informed consent before sharing that information. Informed consent for records means a written authorization that clearly names who will receive the information, what records or data will be disclosed, the purpose of the disclosure, and how long the consent lasts. The client should understand what is being shared and the potential consequences, and they can revoke the consent in writing (subject to any limitations). Because mental health treatment records are highly protected, this consent is typically required for any release, making it the correct concept to recognize. The other options describe different kinds of releases or internal processes that do not directly address the need to disclose protected treatment records.