What must be obtained from a client before releasing their records?

In the context of releasing client records, obtaining written consent from the client is essential. This is because written consent serves as a formal and clear record of the client's authorization for the release of their confidential information. It protects both the client’s privacy rights and the counselor's legal obligations under laws such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and other state regulations, which require that any disclosure of health records be accompanied by explicit consent from the individual.

Written consent ensures that clients are fully informed about what information will be shared, with whom, and for what purpose. It also provides a documented basis for the release that can be referred back to if any disputes arise, affirming that the client agreed to the terms outlined in the consent form.

Other options, such as a verbal agreement, lack the formality and security of written consent, making them inadequate for such sensitive matters. Relying on a client's insurance approval or a signature from a family member could also complicate matters, as insurance companies may have their own protocols that do not replace the necessity of the client's consent, and a family member's signature may not reflect the specific wishes or rights of the client themselves. Thus, written consent remains the universally required method to ensure ethical and legal