Healthcare Proxy and POA for Your Adult Children

I am re-posting this since it is important this time of year when many parents are sending children to college.

Your college-aged children should have a health care proxy and durable power of attorney in place. Even though you consider them as your children, your kids over age 18 are considered adults by law. As such, they are entitled to medical and financial independence and privacy. Without a health care proxy, the hospital is not allowed to discuss their medical issues with you. Likewise, a bank will not allow you access to your child's bank account without a durable power of attorney.

While your child is home for summer break, consider signing a health care proxy and durable power of attorney. Then make sure copies of the health care proxy get to your child’s college health clinic and primary care physician. You might consider putting a copy in the glove-compartment of his or her car and giving a copy to a roommate or close friend.