What is the difference between a health-care directive and a HIPAA authorization?

A health-care directive records treatment wishes and may give an agent decision authority. A HIPAA authorization mainly permits access or disclosure of health details. One document does not always replace the other.

General information

• Decision authority comes from applicable law and the directive.
• details access can be broader or narrower than decision authority.
• Providers may ask for both documents.

Service steps to consider

1. Possible resource or approach: the same accurate names in both documents.
2. Considering whether to give the agent copies.
3. A licensed attorney or health-care provider can advise about a special medical situation.

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.