Who can give consent for information to be released from a patients medical records?

Consent for information to be released from a patient's medical records typically must be given by the patient themselves, or by a legally authorized representative if the patient is unable to provide consent due to incapacity or age. This may include parents or guardians for minors or individuals with power of attorney for adults. In some cases, specific laws may allow for the release of information without consent, such as in public health emergencies or legal proceedings. Always check relevant regulations and institutional policies for compliance.