Which of the following is not a requirement for a valid subpoena duces tecum seeking health records?

In the context of legal proceedings, a subpoena duces tecum is a specific type of subpoena that compels an individual or entity to produce documents or evidence—in this case, health records—for a court case. The validity of such a subpoena relies on certain essential elements; however, it does not need to be signed by both the plaintiff and the defendant.

The requirement for signing typically lies with the issuing attorney or the court itself, not the parties involved in the litigation. This means that having a signature from both the plaintiff and the defendant is not a necessary condition for the subpoena duces tecum to be considered valid. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that the subpoena includes vital details such as the date, time, and place of the requested appearance, the case docket number, and the name of the attorney who is issuing the subpoena.

These additional elements serve to ensure that the subpoena is clear and specific, providing all parties with the necessary information to comply with the request appropriately, which is crucial for the proper handling of health records and adherence to privacy regulations.