California Estate Planning Attorneys

HIPAA Authorization

If you would like to make sure that your family members will be able to access your medical records so that they make informed decisions on your behalf in the event of your incapacity, it is important to have an attorney from our firm help you with HIPAA authorization.  When the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) went into effect a few years ago, all medical providers, including hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, insurance companies, and many others, became subject to steep penalties if they provide your personal medical information to third parties without your consent.

The HIPAA Release/Authorization gives medical providers the authority to provide your personal medical information to third parties and releases them from the ramifications of doing so. Most medical providers ask you to sign their HIPAA form when you use their services. A HIPAA Release may be needed by a family member to make medical decisions for you if you ever become incapacitated. 

At Claery & Green, our California estate planning attorneys will prepare the appropriate documents for you to ensure that they are properly drafted and signed.  It is essential that the proper documents are prepared in order to facilitate HIPAA authorization, and without a lawyer’s help, the average person may find this difficult.  Having a HIPAA Release or Authorization is an important part of any person’s estate plan, as it ensures that your family, spouse, or friends will be able to access important medical information should you ever become incapacitated.  Without a signed HIPAA Authorization in California, your spouse, children, or family will not be able to receive information about your condition, and it is important that you take the necessary actions to prevent this. 

For help with HIPAA Authorization, contact a California Estate Planning Lawyer at Claery & Green!