Protecting your New Graduate
Summer has arrived, and our children have graduated high school. Some are preparing to go away for college, and some may be going off an a backpacking trip. Have you considered that they may need the protection that they parents may still provide? When we think of a Power of Attorney we usually consider those of us advancing in age, but your children can still benefit from these forms. They are now over the age of 18, and the law considers them to be adults. They can make their own decisions, but sometimes situations arise when the can't. You will no longer have ready access to their medical situation. Their colleges expect you to pay their tuition, but won't grant you access to their health records.
You should recommend to your children that they sign:
- A power of attorney for health. If your child is in an emergency, it will allow you to make medical decisions if they cannot make the decisions themselves.
- A HIPAA authorization to release medical information to you.
- A FERPA release to obtain educational records.
- Also suggested is a power of attorney for property. This allows you to handle their financial affairs in the unlikely they become disabled, and allows you to qualify them for financial assistance if necessary.
- Confirm that they are covered under your health insurance plan. Most plans allow coverage to the age of 26.
After these papers are properly signed and witnessed, send a copy to the college to be placed in their file. Keep a copy for yourself to keep for that middle of the night call.
The forms can be revoked by your children at any time, such as when they get married.
Remember that college can be stressful, and many mental problems do not appear until early adulthood. A HIPAA authorization must specifically state it applies to mental health records or it will apply only to general health records.
Please consult your attorney about getting these forms in place.
