GD9 CTW fileÒ  Medical008, Î Records are a source of information about people. A medical record is probably the most often used document that is kept on a person. These records are thought of as being highly confidential because the information they contain should not be released to people who do not have a need to know. Hospitals and other health care providers require that patient records be released only after certain guidelines have been followed. In fact, if you want to review a copy of your own medical records, you are often required to fill out a release form just to see them. Generally, only a patient may authorize the release of his or her own medical records. There are, though, some exceptions to this rule. Parents are allowed to have the records of their children released to them. An agent that you name may be allowed to access your medical records if you have given him or her your permission. There are times when medical records may be released without your consent. Health care workers are allowed to review a patient's record to care for that patient. People who perform health care services, such as people who work with records, are allowed to see your files. Qualified people who conduct research can also be allowed access to your records. Some people who work for the government are allowed to look at medical records if they need to resolve health care issues. Finally, lawyers can have access to medical records if they relate to an issue that has come before the courts.