Covered California Certified Enroller Practice Exam

What must be included in a consumer's authorization for data verification?

1. Consumer's signature and date

2. Consumer's identification number

3. Consumer's address

4. Nothing is required

The correct answer is: Consumer's signature and date

Including the consumer's signature and date in their authorization for data verification is critical because it provides clear documentation that the consumer has willingly consented to the sharing of their personal information. This consent is essential for maintaining compliance with privacy laws and regulations, ensuring that the data verification process adheres to standards that protect consumer rights. Without a signature and date, there would be no formal record of consent, potentially leading to legal and ethical issues for both the consumer and the entity requesting the verification. The other options, such as a consumer's identification number or address, may be useful in specific contexts but do not hold the same importance as a signature and date in establishing lawful consent for data verification. Not requiring anything at all undermines the consumer’s autonomy and may lead to unauthorized data usage. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the importance of documented consent in data verification processes.