Community First

s graduation season arrives, many young adults are turning 18—and with that milestone comes an important legal shift that most families aren't prepared for. Once your child becomes a legal adult, you no longer have the automatic right to access their medical information or make decisions on their behalf, even in an emergency. Many parents only discover this when they're standing in an ER, desperate to help, but denied access. To avoid this situation, it’s essential to have 4 key documents in place:

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• HIPAA Authorization Form,

• Medical Power of Attorney,

• Durable Power of Attorney, and

• Living Will (Advance Directive)