What is the primary reason an attorney needs signed patient authorization for medical records?

The primary reason an attorney needs signed patient authorization for medical records is to protect patient confidentiality. Medical records contain sensitive health information that is protected under various laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This legislation establishes safeguards to ensure that an individual's health information is kept private and secure.

Obtaining a signed authorization ensures that the attorney has consent from the patient to access and use their medical information, which is crucial in upholding the trust and confidentiality inherent in the patient-provider relationship. Without such authorization, disclosing medical records could violate patient privacy rights, leading to legal repercussions for both the medical provider and the attorney.

While there may be elements of the other options, such as ethical standards and legal proceedings, the primary focus should be on the protection of patient confidentiality, as this is the foundational principle guiding the regulation of medical record access.