Legal and planning
HIPAA authorization
A HIPAA authorization is a person's written permission for a health care provider or health plan to share their protected health information. It must be in plain language. It states what is shared, who shares and who receives it, an expiration, and the right to revoke it in writing.
Why it matters for your family
Families need this when a doctor will not talk to an adult child. HHS says covered entities need written authorization for uses and disclosures not otherwise permitted, such as treatment, payment or operations. Providers may also share limited information with family involved in care when the patient agrees or does not object. A signed authorization makes access clearer. A common mistake is thinking a power of attorney for finances opens medical records. It may not. A health care proxy or a HIPAA authorization is the safer path. The person can cancel it in writing. Ask the doctor's office for its form. This is general information, not legal advice.
Source: hhs.gov
Read more: Home care questions and answers
Related terms
- Healthcare proxyA healthcare proxy is a person you name to make medical decisions for you if you cannot speak for yourself.
- Medical power of attorneyA medical power of attorney is a legal document that names someone to make health care decisions for you if you cannot.
- Advance directiveAn advance directive is a legal document that states your health care wishes in case you cannot decide for yourself.
- Family communicationFamily communication is how relatives share updates, decisions and concerns about a loved one's care.
- Care coordinationCare coordination is the work of organizing a person's care across doctors, caregivers, services and family so the pieces fit together.
- Power of attorneyA power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person, the principal, names another person, the agent, to act for them.
