April brings spring flowers… and blooming kids, too!

At this time of year, families everywhere are planning special milestone traditions that honor their kids' blossoming adulthood. 

The last high school prom, graduation – and for many – a move away to college. (Happens so fast, doesn't it?!)

The 18th birthday is another kind of milestone. It's when everyone becomes an adult in the health care world – with 100% responsibility for their medical decisions. 

With that, comes limits on parents. Without two legal documents signed by your adult child, medical providers must treat you like a stranger — that’s the law.  Parents can't get information about their adult children's medical condition, nor have a say in treatment.  

Verbal consent works.  But what if your child is unconscious, confused, medicated, or compromised in some way?

For peace of mind... 

• Download free Medical Power of Attorney and HIPAA Release forms from any government website for the state where your adult child goes to school or lives. 

• Make copies for everyone! (Include the student health center if they're in school.) Does your child have electronic medical records? Be sure the completed forms are uploaded! 

• Create ICE (In Case of Emergency) directories on your phones.

• Take pictures of the completed forms and store them on your phones. Be sure the signature pages are clear! 
   

As you know, it takes a village to raise a child – so please share this note! 
We've found people are always surprised, but grateful, to learn about how to safeguard their children's care – at any age. 

We offer guidance, too, on how to complete the documents – just one way we can support your village! 

We know from experience once all documents are in order, you'll likely never need them. But... you will have peace of mind every single day.

That should put a little more spring in your step!