Privacy Laws and How to Protect Your Young Adult

Why It’s Important

HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, protects the privacy of an individual’s health information. Without a signed HIPAA authorization form, healthcare providers cannot legally share your child’s medical information with you.

How It Helps

A HIPAA authorization form allows you to receive information about your child’s health status, progress, and treatment. This is particularly critical if your child is unconscious or incapacitated.

Our Services

We can prepare a HIPAA authorization form tailored to New Jersey law or the specific state where your child’s college is located.

Understanding the Terms

These documents, sometimes referred to interchangeably, designate you as your child’s medical representative if they are unable to make their own decisions. While a HIPAA form grants access to information, a Healthcare Power of Attorney authorizes you to make decisions about your child’s medical care.

Real-Life Scenario

If your child is involved in an accident and rendered unconscious, a Healthcare Power of Attorney ensures that you can make informed decisions about their treatment. Without this document, decisions may rest solely with healthcare providers or require a court-appointed guardianship.

Best Practices

It’s advisable to name a single representative with alternates in priority order to avoid conflicts and ensure swift decision-making.

Yearly Updates

Ensure these documents are reviewed and re-signed regularly to maintain their validity.

Local Acceptance

Verify that institutions in both your home state and the college state accept these documents.

Trust and Communication

Maintain a trusting relationship with your child to ensure they understand the importance of these documents.

Dual Documentation

For out-of-state students, prepare documents under both the home state and college state laws.