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Private Provider Information

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) uses VA Form 21-4142, Authorization to Disclose Information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to request private medical records and information regarding the source of records in support of claims for compensation and/or pension benefits. The response helps VA determine whether a source identified by the claimant has pertinent information or records available to consider. VA Form 21-4142 was developed in consultation with the Department of Health and Human Services component responsible for the HIPAA Privacy Rule. It was approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with the concurrence of HHS.

VA Form 21-4142 is designed specifically to:

  • ensure the claimant has all the information necessary to authorize consent;
  • contain all of the elements and statements legally required to be on an authorization form;
  • ensure claimants are clearly advised of the specifics of the disclosure; and
  • maximize the efficiency of the form, as permitted by law, to support the release of records by providers.

Click here to view or fill out VA Form 21-4142.

Fees for Evidence. VA is not authorized to pay a fee for copies of public documents or other evidence from Federal, State or local agencies or private sources. Most custodians of public documents furnish copies to VA free of charge. If payment of a fee is required to obtain a document, VA must advise the claimant that the agency is not authorized to pay the fee and advise him or her how to secure the evidence.

Key Points

Here are a few important legal points that support use of VA Form 21-4142.

  1. It is permissible to authorize release of, and disclose, "all medical records."
  2. A "minimum necessary" determination is not required with an authorization.
  3. It is permissible to accept copies of authorizations, including electronic copies.
  4. An individual source's name does not have to appear on the form; authorizing a "class" of providers is permissible.
  5. The VA Form 21-4142 is valid for 12 months from the date signed.
  6. It is permissible to authorize release of, and disclose, information created after the consent is signed.
  7. A witness signature is not required by Federal law.

For more information on these seven key points please see the Key Points Explanation webpage.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule, and HHS' December 4, 2002, formal guidance are available at: www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa. The preamble of published regulations, which contains important discussions and clarifications of rules, plus responses to public comments, can be found at the Federal Register at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2000-12-28/pdf/00-32678.pdf. To find other specific regulations (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2) use: www.gpoaccess.gov/cfr/index.html.

 

 

External Link Disclaimer: This page contains links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.

 

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Last updated: January 17, 2024.