Final answer:
A written authorization from a patient to release their medical records is not required when one physician requests copies from another physician. Authorization is typically required for insurance companies, attorneys, and other third parties. HIPAA regulates the privacy and sharing of patient medical records and authorizes sharing for treatment purposes without explicit patient consent. so, option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the given scenario, a written authorization from the patient to release medical records is not required when a physician is requesting copies from another physician. This situation falls under continuity of care where patient information can be shared among healthcare providers without explicit patient consent. However, written authorization is usually required for insurance companies, the patient's attorney, and other third parties to access a patient's medical records.
It is important to note that the handling of medical records and patient information is regulated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures the confidentiality and privacy of patient health information. Healthcare providers, such as hospitals and physicians, are required to comply with HIPAA regulations to protect patient privacy. The sharing of medical records among healthcare providers for treatment purposes is also addressed by HIPAA and usually does not require patient authorization.