In legal proceedings involving medical records, which document orders the production of records?

• A. Subpoena duces tecum
• B. Medical release form
• C. Court order
• D. Authorization to release

Answer: (A)

For obtaining medical records in court, the instrument that orders production is a subpoena duces tecum. It is directed at the custodian of records (such as a hospital or physician's office) and compels them to bring the specified records to the designated proceeding or to a attorney by a set date. The phrase duces tecum means “you shall bring with you,” highlighting its purpose: produce the documents for the case.

This is different from a medical release form or an authorization to release, which are patient-consent documents giving permission for disclosure, not court-ordered production. A general court order can require records, but the specific document used to compel production of records, especially from a third party, is the subpoena duces tecum.