Essential Documents

College is an exciting time of growth, learning, and new experiences for young adults. However, they are still adults, which means that unless they have a spouse, a person must designate who they want to allow to be informed of their medical status, handle their affairs and expenses, and make healthcare decisions for them ahead of time. Otherwise their loved ones may remain in the dark about their whereabouts in an emergency, expenses may become delinquent, and their doctors may have to make medical decisions for them. The suite of College Age Essential Documents, including a Durable Power of Attorney, HIPAA release form, and Advance Healthcare Directive, will give security and peace of mind to both parents and students as they begin this foundational experience.

Every year, many college students make unexpected visits to the hospital. Even as a parent, you are not legally entitled to any of your adult child’s health care information without their express permission. This is where a HIPAA release comes in. A college age student should execute a HIPAA release to name who they would like to share privileged health information with in the event of their incapacity. Otherwise, medical staff cannot legally even share the student’s whereabouts in case of an emergency.