What is a HIPAA authorization?

A HIPAA authorization allows specified people or groups to receive protected health details within the document's scope. It supports communication but does not by itself always give authority to make medical decisions.

General information

• A health-care agent may also qualify as a personal representative under state law.
• The authorization can limit people, details, purpose, and time.
• Providers may require their own verification or form.

Service steps to consider

1. Considering whether to name the people who truly need access.
2. Considering whether to give copies to providers when appropriate.
3. Keeping the authorization consistent with the health-care directive.

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.