When obtaining a release of information, which detail should be specified?

• A. The information to share, recipients, scope, and duration
• B. The number of sessions
• C. The client’s favorite color
• D. The therapist’s personal notes

Answer: (A)

Releases of information are about getting consent that truly limits disclosure to what’s necessary. The detail that should be specified is what information will be shared, who will receive it, the purpose for sharing, and how long the release is valid. This makes the consent informed and keeps the disclosure from expanding beyond what’s needed.

In practice, you’d specify the exact data elements or records to be disclosed, name the recipients or organizations that may receive them, state the purpose (for example, coordinating care or fulfilling documentation requirements), and indicate the duration or expiration of the authorization. The client’s signature and date confirm consent, and there should be an option to revoke the release at any time, subject to any limits.

Other details like the number of sessions or a client’s favorite color aren’t relevant to the authorization. Personal notes kept by the therapist are typically confidential and not released unless there is a separate, explicit authorization or legal requirement. The emphasis is on specificity and limiting disclosure to what’s necessary for the stated purpose.