Sending your child off to college is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with new responsibilities. While you may be busy with dorm essentials and financial planning, one crucial step often gets overlooked—establishing a Health Care Power of Attorney (HCPOA). Here’s why it matters and how to ensure your child is fully prepared for this new chapter.

1. Understanding a Health Care Power of Attorney

Once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult. This means that, without proper authorization, you may not have access to their medical records or be able to make health-related decisions on their behalf in case of an emergency. A Health Care Power of Attorney allows your child to grant you or another trusted individual the legal ability to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so themselves.

2. Why a HCPOA is Essential for College Students

Emergencies are unpredictable, and without an HCPOA, you may encounter barriers when trying to assist your child in a medical crisis. Here’s why having this document in place is crucial:

• Immediate Access to Medical Information: Hospitals and medical providers cannot legally share information about an adult patient without consent due to HIPAA regulations.
• Decision-Making Authority: If your child is incapacitated, you need legal permission to make critical healthcare choices on their behalf. Without aHCPOA, your ability to make any decisions is very much hindered, causing delays during time-limited situations. 

3. Other Important Steps to Prepare Your Child for College

Beyond an HCPOA, consider taking these additional steps to set your child up for success:

• Set Up a Financial Power of Attorney: This allows you to handle financial matters, such as banking or signing legal documents, if needed.
• Review Health Insurance Coverage: Confirm whether your child remains covered under your health plan and how it applies to out-of-state or student health services.
• Encourage Financial Responsibility: Teach your child about budgeting, opening a student-friendly bank account, and understanding credit.
• Discuss Legal Rights and Responsibilities: Help them understand their new independence, including privacy laws and consent requirements.

4. How to Get a Health Care Power of Attorney

Establishing a Health Care Power of Attorney is a straightforward process:

1. Select an Agent: Your child must choose a trusted person—typically a parent or guardian such as yourself—to make medical decisions if needed.
2. Complete the Proper Forms: Each state has its own HCPOA form, which all can be found through us and our one payment process or through an attorney and their varying fees depending on the firm.
3. Sign in the Presence of Witnesses or a Notary: Some states require notarization or witness signatures to make the document legally binding.
4. Share Copies: Ensure that you, your child, and their healthcare provider have copies readily available in case of an emergency.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your child for college goes beyond academics and dorm life—it also includes planning for their health and legal security. A Health Care Power of Attorney ensures you can support your child when it matters most. Taking this simple yet vital step now can provide peace of mind and prevent unnecessary complications in the future.