Many parents are under the assumption that they can receive all of their children’s information since they still are supporting them, but that is not the case. Once a child reaches the age of 18, privacy laws are applied to them in the same way they are applied to adults. People think that the following three documents are only needed when you are older, when in reality they are needed once you turn 18 and are ready to go away for college.
1. HIPAA Release. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) preserves and protects the privacy of one’s medical information. Every child should have their parent sign a HIPAA release form so their parent can receive information about all their child’s medical information.
2. Medical Power of Attorney. This allows the parent to make medical decisions for their child if he or she is incapable of doing so. The parent also is given access to see all of the child’s medical records.
3. Durable Power of Attorney. This allows the child to authorize their parent as someone who can authorize their financial affairs once they are allowed to. Things the parents would have access to include paying bills, applying for social security, and opening/closing accounts.
It is important to talk to your child who is leaving to college about these forms in order to be prepared for any situation.