Estate Planning

HIPAA and College Students: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Medical professional in a white coat wearing a stethoscope around the neck and holding a blue ID badge on a lanyard with a blank white card.

Parents are often surprised that being listed on a health insurance policy doesn’t automatically grant access to medical information.

HIPAA Protects Adult Medical Privacy

Once your child becomes an adult, healthcare providers generally must comply with federal privacy laws.

Even close family members may have limited access to protected health information without permission.

A HIPAA Authorization Can Help

A HIPAA Authorization allows designated individuals to communicate with healthcare providers about medical care.

Depending on the circumstances, it may permit discussions regarding:

  • Treatment
  • Hospitalization
  • Medical updates
  • Test results
  • Prescriptions

Emergency Situations

While healthcare providers may use their professional judgment in certain emergencies, having a signed authorization can reduce uncertainty and facilitate communication.

Peace of Mind

No parent expects to receive a late-night call from a hospital.

But preparing before an emergency can make a difficult situation more manageable.

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