Which of the following is NOT a requirement for access to records?

Access to records typically demands more formal methods than a verbal request, which is often viewed as insufficient. A court order, subpoena, and search warrant are all legally recognized instruments that establish authority and necessity for accessing specific records, thereby ensuring adherence to the law and protecting the rights of individuals involved.

A court order is issued by a judge and is a directive that mandates access to records for specific reasons, often related to ongoing investigations or legal proceedings. A subpoena is a legal document that requests a person or organization to provide testimony or produce evidence, including records, in a legal context. A search warrant, similarly, is a legal authorization allowing law enforcement to search a designated area or property and seize evidence, which includes accessing records.

In contrast, a verbal request does not carry the same legal weight and lacks the formalities required to ensure that the request is justified and that the rights of those whose records are being accessed are respected. This makes a verbal request an informal means of trying to obtain access, rendering it an inadequate method compared to the legally binding alternatives.