The Healthcare Documents Every Student Needs Who Returns to College This Fall
It used to be that retuning to college in the fall meant reviewing required reading lists, choosing classes, reconnecting with your friends, and making dorm room décor decisions. This year everything is different. Considerations for returning to college in the fall have shifted to heavier topics in light of COVID-19. As part of making arrangements to return to school, all college students and their parents should be preparing a set of health care documents.
Presumably, your college student has reached the age of 18, and while you may still think of them as child, their legal status of that of an adult. Having a set of health care documents will ensure that you, as a parent, are still able to make critical decisions and access health care records for your college student who may not be able to due to an accident or illness. There are generally three forms that facilitate the involvement of a parent or other designee in a medical emergency that we recommend all students returning to school this fall have:
1. Medical Power of Attorney or Healthcare Proxy. A Medical Power of Attorney authorizes another to make medical decisions on your behalf and provides that individual with the ability to communicate with medical providers. This document appoints another (such as a parent) to make medical decisions in case your student cannot make them for his or herself.
2. HIPAA Authorization. A HIPAA Authorization (or HIPAA Release) is a document that permits healthcare providers to disclose your student’s health information with anyone listed on the authorization. You may need one to obtain information from a healthcare provider treating your child and would need this document with your name on it in order to do so. In addition, a young adult can limit the information provided if they are concerned about the disclosure of information about sex, drugs, mental health etc. with a parent.
3. Durable Power of Attorney. A Durable Power of Attorney is a document that provides a third party (i.e. a parent) to make financial decisions on another’s behalf. This document can be effective when signed, or upon the occurrence of a specific event (such as if your child becomes incapacitated due to injury or illness). This document permits the designated agent to take acts such as signing tax returns, accessing bank information, paying bills, making changes to financial aid or tuition.
It may seem morbid to consider these documents as your student returns to school this fall, but we’re living in exceptional times. Having these documents will give you peace of mind and alleviate many issues in case your student suffers from an accident or illness which renders them incapacitated. The specific requirements for these documents may vary state to state, and it’s important to consult with an attorney familiar with your state’s requirements in preparing these documents. If you would like to consult with an attorney about having these documents prepared for your student, please call Christina Saunders at 303-396-0270 or email her at christina@saunders-saunders.com to set up a consultation today.
