Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy & HIPAA: A College Student’s Must-Haves
Sending your child off to college is a major milestone—and for many families, it marks the first time a young adult is truly independent. But with that independence comes legal reality: once your child turns 18, parents no longer have automatic rights to access medical, financial, or educational information. That’s why it’s critical for college students to have three essential legal documents in place: a Power of Attorney (POA), a Health Care Proxy, and a HIPAA Release.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A Power of Attorney allows your young adult to authorize someone—typically a parent or trusted family member—to act on their behalf for financial and legal matters. This does not cover medical decisions.
With a POA in place, you can:
Manage apartment leases and utility accounts
Handle tuition payments or financial aid issues
Communicate with the university regarding student records
Access banking and credit cards
Without this document, families may face serious roadblocks when trying to resolve urgent financial or school-related matters.
Health Care Proxy
A Health Care Proxy allows your young adult to name a trusted individual (often a parent or other trusted adult that lives nearby) to make medical decisions only if they become incapacitated and unable to do so themselves.
It’s important to understand that having a health care proxy doesn’t give the parent the right to override their child's wishes. As long as the student is competent and conscious, their decisions remain fully their own.
This document becomes crucial in the event of an accident or serious illness, giving doctors clarity on who should make decisions if the student is unable to speak for themselves.
HIPAA Release
HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations prevent healthcare providers from sharing private medical information without consent—even with parents.
A HIPAA Release allows your young adult to authorize medical professionals to speak with you and share information regarding their care. It also supports:
Communicating with insurance companies
Facilitating sharing of records between providers
Scheduling appointments
Accessing billing or lab results
While a HIPAA Release doesn’t grant decision-making authority, it’s a vital tool that works in conjunction with a health care proxy and POA to allow trusted family members to help out so your student can focus on their recovery.
Why Work with a Law Firm?
While there are many online templates available for these documents, working with Guendelsberger Law Offices ensures the forms are customized to your young adult’s unique situation. Whether your student attends college in Connecticut or out of state, we can guide you through legal requirements and properly execute the documents to ensure they are valid and enforceable.
We also provide a neutral space where your young adult—the actual legal client—can feel empowered and informed. We take the time to explain each document’s purpose, scope, and limitations so they understand exactly what they’re signing.
Lastly, as your local law firm, we can keep copies on file and provide support should there be issues utilizing the documents in a time of need.
Having these three legal tools in place ensures that you and your college student are prepared—not just for the expected, but also for the unexpected.
To schedule a consultation and prepare these essential documents for your college student, contact Guendelsberger Law Offices. We proudly serve families in New Milford, CT and beyond.
NOW OFFERING: GLO Young Adult Peace of Mind Package!
Protect Your College Student—and Your Peace of Mind
A Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and HIPAA Release ensure your student’s independence is protected and emergencies are easier to handle.
At Guendelsberger Law Offices, we make it simple with our GLO Young Adult Peace of Mind Package, which includes:
30 Minute consultation with Student and Parent(s) to outline needs
Preparation of Documents
Young Adult POA
Young Adult Health Care Proxy
Young Adult HIPAA Waiver
30 Minute meeting to review and execute documents
Safe storage and up to 30 minutes of assistance in updating and/or utilizing documents (additional support billed at prevailing hourly rates).
Schedule a consultation today to get your college student prepared and gain peace of mind - call us at (860) 354-4444.