The first few bullet points scream "you authorize SF to get your medical information and history". This is an application for long term disability, so they are trying to prove he's medically disabled by getting documentation from an authoritative source, which could only be accomplished by going to the doctors offices and insurers directly.

Isn't this basically power of attorney? He signed a form that explicitly stated he authorized SF can get his medical information (along other things). What's the purpose of such a form except to NOT go back to him to sign 12 documents from different companies to release info one by one?