When Your Child Is Over 18, Will You Be Able To Help Your Child? – In A Medical Emergency?

Aug 15, 2016

Once your child is a legal adult (18+) your rights to make legal and medical decisions for your child, as their parents, ends.

For example you do not have the right to:

• go to the bank for them;
• to talk to their doctors;
• or to even talk to the school about their grades, unless your child gives his or her permission.

Many parents are surprised to learn this, and unfortunately most parents learn this during an emergency situation.  As a parent you have no more rights to obtain medical information on your legal-age son or daughter, than you would to obtain information about a stranger on the street.

HOW TO ENSURE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HELP YOUR CHILD

Accidents occur when you least expect it.

HIPAA Privacy Rule can get in your way as a parent of an 18+year old when you may be needed the most. We recommend, before you send your child to college, your child should put in place documents to allow you to act on his/her behalf, including a Power of Attorney.