A medical release form and a power of attorney are distinct legal documents are very different documents. A medical release form authorizes your healthcare providers to share otherwise private medical information with specified individuals or entities for a particular purpose. For example, sharing medical records between healthcare providers is often crucial for your health. This form does not grant decision-making authority or control over healthcare decisions.   A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants an individual, known as the "attorney-in-fact" or "agent," the authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of another person (you), known as the "principal." These vital forms let someone you trust sign for you if you are incapacitated or otherwise unable to consent to medical care. Someone with power of attorney may be able to sign a medical release to help facilitate your care, but only because you have taken extra steps to ensure they are legally allowed to do so by signing the POA.   While both documents may involve sharing medical information, a medical release form focuses on disclosing medical records, whereas a power of attorney grants decision-making authority so someone other than you can do so when you cannot.