How do I stay involved in my child's medical care after age 18?

A health care proxy or medical power of attorney is a legal document signed by you and your child indicating that you have the ability to make medical decisions for them if they are unable to communicate their decision. It’s a good idea to prepare this type of document if you do not plan to pursue conservatorship.

Once your child is 18, their medical providers may require you to sign a HIPAA waiver or medical release form indicating that they can share your child’s medical information with you. Ask your providers if they have a specific form they want you to sign. Otherwise, you can have your child sign a generalized form, like this HIPPA release, to keep on file.

Some medical providers, especially hospitals, require medical authorization much earlier than age 18, even as young as 12 or 14, so be aware of the policies at your medical facility.

For more information, see our full article Medical Rights and Consent at Ages 12 and 18.