After the 4th of July, my family begins the dreaded countdown to the first day of school. While it may be a bit early to begin panicking, it’s a good time to think about maximizing the time left between now and that eventual first day of school. My daughter is not entering her first semester of college yet, however, we have friends whose children are, which prompted me to write this reminder to consider a healthcare proxy and a few other important medical forms for your college student. For the grandparents out there, you may want to mention this at the next family gathering.
While it may be a bit early to begin panicking, it’s a good time to think about maximizing the time left between now and that eventual first day of school. My daughter is not entering her first semester of college yet, however, we have friends whose children are, which prompted me to write this reminder to consider a healthcare proxy and a few other important medical forms for your college student. For the grandparents out there, you may want to mention this at the next family gathering.
There are key documents that ensure someone you trust can make important decisions on your child’s behalf if they are unable to do so. The documents you may want to consider are: a Health Care Proxy, HIPAA Authorization/Waiver, and Living Will.
Health Care Proxy
A health care proxy is a legal document that allows someone to make medical decisions for your child on their behalf. Since college students are typically over the age of 18, they are considered legal adults. This means that parents may not have automatic access to their child’s medical information or the authority to make decisions without a health care proxy in place.
How to Set Up a Health Care Proxy in Wisconsin:
- Download the Form: You can find the Wisconsin Health Care Proxy form here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/f00085.pdf
- Fill Out the Form: Ensure all required information is accurately completed.
- Sign and Witness: The form must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure the document is properly executed.
- Distribute Copies: Provide copies to your child’s health care providers, the designated proxy, the university’s health center, and keep a copy for your records.
HIPAA Authorization/Waiver
Although though your child may still be on your health insurance plan, health care providers are not legally permitted to disclose a patient’s medical record or discuss their health status or treatment with you. The HIPAA Waiver form allows medical providers to give you medical records or information. Note that your child will need to sign a HIPAA wavier for all medical providers (including hospitals and clinics).
HIPAA release forms can be easily obtained online or from your child’s doctor’s office.
Living Will/Declaration to Health Professionals
A living will, also known as advance directives, will outline personal choices regarding life-extending medical treatment in the event someone cannot communicate their wishes on their own.
How to Set Up a Living Will/Declaration to Health Professionals:
- Download the Form: You can find the Wisconsin Declaration to Health Professionals form here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/index.htm
- Fill out the form: Ensure all required information is accurately completed.
- Sign and witness: The form must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. It’s recommended to consult with a legal professional to ensure the document is properly executed.
- Distribute copies: Provide copies to your child’s health care providers, the designated proxy, the university’s health center, and keep a copy for your records.
We all have heard the phrase “you never stop being a parent.” Unfortunately, bad things happen in life. Make time to discuss these important documents with your child before they turn 18 so you have peace of mind — at least about these issues — before they head off to college. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your family is prepared when unexpected situations arise.
Please consult your estate attorney if you have legal questions about these documents. If you need a referral, we would be happy to make an introduction for you.
