Understanding your health privacy: Protecting your health information while empowering loved ones

Learn how HIPAA protects your health information and how to authorize a spouse, family member, or caregiver to access your medical records and communicate with your healthcare team.

Content last reviewed and updated 9/1/2026.

In the healthcare world, patient privacy is a top priority. Federal law, specifically the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), safeguards your right to control access to your health information. Strict guidelines exist about who can access and receive your medical records. This includes spouses and family members, so if you choose to provide access to someone, you will need to fill out an authorization form that allows your protected health information to be disclosed to them.

What Is an Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information Form?

Many patients assume their spouse can speak freely with healthcare providers on their behalf. However, without a completed Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information to Family and Friends, institutions like the Mayo Clinic have limitations on what information they can share with loved ones. The disclosure form designates who can access your health information and communicate on your behalf. Keep in mind that a separate form must be filled out for everyone you wish to grant access to.

This form allows you to control:

• Who: You decide exactly which family members or friends can access your information.

• What: You have the flexibility to specify the type of information that can be shared. This could include details about diagnoses, test results, treatment plans, and even billing information.

• How: The form lets you choose how the information is communicated — verbally, through the patient portal, via written communication, or electronically through the health system's online records.

Can My Spouse Access My Medical Records?

While spouses often play a crucial role in healthcare decision-making, HIPAA regulations don't grant them automatic access. Authorizing your spouse ensures they can receive vital information, ask questions, and advocate for you during appointments or emergencies.

Giving Family Members Access to Your Health Information

Authorizing someone to have access to your protected health information requires careful consideration. Here are some key points to consider:

• Trust: Only grant access to individuals you fully trust to handle your sensitive medical information.

• Understanding: Choose someone who can understand the medical information being shared and effectively communicate with your healthcare team.

• Communication style: Consider your communication style with the designated person. Will they keep you informed and respect your wishes?

When Should You Update or Revoke Authorization?

Forms can be obtained from any department at Mayo Clinic and returned to any check-in desk. The form will become part of your medical record.

• No expiration: Once completed, there is no set end date.

• Revocation: If you decide to take access away from someone, you will need to complete a Revocation of Authorization Form.

Conclusion

Managing your health information is an important part of taking an active role in your care. An Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information form gives you control over who can receive information about your health while ensuring that trusted family members, caregivers, or friends can support you when needed. By taking a few moments to complete this form, you can help prevent communication challenges, reduce stress during medical appointments, and ensure the people you trust have access to the information necessary to help you navigate your healthcare journey.

Call to action

If your spouse, caregiver, adult child, or trusted friend helps manage your healthcare, ask your healthcare team about completing an Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information form so they can access the information you choose to share.

Learn more

• Closer look: Patient rights, responsibilities and privacy - Mayo Clinic

• Next step: Mayo Clinic - Patient Portal Assistance

• Related topic: Living wills and advance directives for medical decisions - Mayo Clinic

Find support and resources

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• Learn about us: Cancer Education: About Us | Mayo Clinic Connect

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