Final answer:
The form signed by a patient to allow the disclosure of health information to an insurance carrier is known as an authorization form, required by HIPAA to protect patient privacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form that a patient signs to allow a physician to disclose health information to an insurance carrier is known as an authorization form under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA, enacted in 1996, demands that entities handling health information, such as insurance companies and health care providers, strictly maintain the confidentiality of patients' records. Signing an authorization form is a legal act where the patient gives consent for their protected health information (PHI) to be shared for specified purposes.
It's important for the patients to understand that without this authorization, HIPAA's privacy rules generally prohibit health care providers from disclosing their health information to insurance companies. This legal document is crucial to ensure that health information is shared according to the patient's wishes, and that privacy rights are not violated.