09/02/2026
Your college move-in checklist may be missing three important items.
Once a child turns 18, parents may no longer have automatic authority to access medical information, make health care decisions, or handle financial matters—even during an emergency.
Before your student leaves for college, consider discussing:
1. A designation of health care surrogate
2. A HIPAA authorization
3. A durable power of attorney
These documents do not take away a student’s independence. They allow the student to decide who can step in and help when needed.
Read our latest blog to learn more