What is the condition under which a patient's records may be released when the patient signs a document?

When a patient signs a document for informed consent regarding treatment, they give healthcare providers the legal right to release their medical records specifically for that treatment process. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare that ensures patients understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of proposed treatments, as well as the privacy of their medical information. This process involves the patient being fully aware of what will be done and agreeing to it, thus allowing the healthcare provider to share necessary information with others involved in their care.

The other contexts, such as educational purposes, participating in research, and releasing information to a family member, either do not necessarily require the patient's consent in the same direct way or have specific regulations and limitations that must be adhered to, which do not apply as broadly as informed consent for treatment.