For the second year, our office is pleased to offer a free health care proxy for college age kids.
Parents always want to do everything they can to protect their children, but once a child turns 18, they are legally adults. Because of HIPAA regulations(Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), parents have the same legal status as a stranger. Doctors may not speak with parents about their child’s condition, and medical facilities legally may not provide information.
Parents have no legal standing to decide about their child’s care if the student suffers an illness or injury. The scenario is a frightening one for any parent to consider.
A Health Care Proxy allows the child to designate his or her parent as an agent or proxy entitled to information about the student’s medical condition, gain access to medical records and most important, make medical treatment decisions on behalf of the student.
We spend so much time preparing our kids for college, but all too often we overlook this important document. We are glad to offer it for free to members of our community as we believe it is so important. If we can help one family who otherwise could not make medical treatment decisions for their college student, this program will have been worth doing.
Students or their parents or legal guardians are invited to call the Law Office of Stephen J. Silverberg at 516-307-1236 to make an appointment for their free Health Care Proxy. The student and parent or legal guardian must come to the office together and must bring current identification.