Can a HIPAA authorization let someone see my medical records?

Yes, a valid authorization can permit the named person to receive records within its scope. A person who is legally authorized to make health-care decisions may also have access as a personal representative, subject to exceptions and state law.

General information

• Providers verify identity and authority.
• Access may be limited to details related to the person's authority.
• Safety, abuse, or other legal exceptions can apply.

Service steps to consider

1. Possible resource or approach: clear names and scope.
2. Considering whether to give the document to the provider.
3. Asking the provider what more form or identification is needed.

Quick check

• Does my agent know my wishes?
• Does my doctor have a copy?
• Are old copies marked as old?

How Complete Wills can help

Complete Wills includes an advance health-care directive and HIPAA authorization in its will-based and trust-based packages. The questionnaire can record choices and names. Customer support can explain the process. Only a licensed attorney may provide legal advice, and a qualified health professional may provide medical guidance. Customer support can explain website features and questionnaire fields, but it cannot choose documents, people, distributions, or legal terms, interpret a completed document, or explain how the law applies to a person's facts. Only a separately engaged licensed attorney may provide legal advice within the attorney's engagement.

Important limits

• Health-care document names and signing rules vary by state.
• Call emergency services or a health expert for an immediate medical issue. An online document service is not emergency care. This article gives general information only. A licensed attorney can explain how state law applies to a specific estate plan or document.