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I requested records from a provider using a faxed copy of both the SSA-827 and my agency’s release. This provider will not release them without an original signature on the authorization form and I only have a copy. What do I do?

Question:

I requested records from a provider using a faxed copy of both the SSA-827 and my agency’s release. This provider will not release them without an original signature on the authorization form and I only have a copy. What do I do?

Answer:

  • You should be able to use the copy of the authorization that you have to request the records. According to a clarification letter drafted by the Director of the Office of Civil Rights on April 25, 2003, “A copy, facsimile, or electronically transmitted version of a signed authorization is also a valid authorization under the Privacy Rule.”
    Source: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/disability/professionals/documents/HHS-OCRfeedback.pdf