What is the purpose of a consent-to-release-of-information form?

• A. To obtain written authorization for sharing client information with third parties.
• B. To restrict all disclosures to third parties.
• C. To terminate treatment.
• D. To document payment arrangements.

Answer: (A)

The main concept is that a consent-to-release-of-information form is a written authorization allowing a client to share specific confidential information with outside parties. This permission is what enables a counselor to coordinate care, provide needed records to other treatment professionals, or handle billing and referrals while still protecting the client’s privacy. It’s not about restricting all disclosures; it’s about permitting targeted disclosures for defined purposes and to defined recipients. The form should spell out who will receive the information, what information can be shared, the purpose, the scope and time frame, and an expiration date, and it must be signed and dated by the client. This supports privacy protections under confidentiality rules while facilitating necessary communication for effective treatment.