The One Medical Form Parents Need After Their Child Turns 18
When your child turns 18, everything changes in the eyes of the law. They can vote, sign contracts, and make their own medical decisions. But many families overlook one critical step in this transition into adulthood. After 18, parents no longer have automatic access to their child’s medical information.
That’s why a HIPAA release is the medical form parents need to stay informed and involved in their child’s care. This simple legal document provides essential protection and access. Before your child heads off to college or moves away from home, this form should be in place.
What Is a HIPAA Release
HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It protects an individual’s private medical information from being shared without permission. This law applies even when the patient is still on your insurance or lives at home.
A HIPAA release form allows your child to name specific people who may access their medical information. That usually includes parents or guardians. It also lets healthcare providers speak with those individuals when needed.
Without this form, doctors may not share details about your child’s condition. In some cases, they cannot even confirm whether your child is receiving care.
Why You Need It After Age 18
Once a child turns 18, they are considered an adult under the law. Parents no longer have any automatic rights to access their medical information. Hospitals are not required to notify you, even in an emergency.
You may be unable to help if your child is hospitalized or unconscious. Without proper legal documents, you cannot make decisions or get updates from doctors. This can be especially difficult when your child is far from home.
Even if your child trusts you completely, the law still blocks you from acting without written permission. That is why a HIPAA release is so important.
How MontanaroLaw Helps You Get One
At MontanaroLaw, we make it easy to prepare the right legal documents before your child leaves home. We walk families through the process step by step. Your child will complete a HIPAA release form that clearly lists who can access their health information.
This HIPAA release is the medical form parents need to ensure they can stay informed and involved if a medical emergency happens. In many cases, we prepare this form along with a health care proxy and power of attorney. These three documents work together to make sure your family is protected from legal delays.
This process is quick, affordable, and designed to give both parents and students peace of mind. You will know that your child is protected and supported in the moments that matter most.
Contact us at MontanaroLaw to get started and make sure your family is legally prepared before it matters most.
