HIPAA Authorization

What is a HIPAA Authorization?

A HIPAA Authorization is a legal document that gives specific people permission to access your private medical information.
Without it, healthcare providers are generally not allowed to share your medical records, even with close family members.

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act — a federal law that protects your medical privacy.

Why Having a HIPAA Authorization Matters

Doctors and hospitals are required by law to protect your private health information.
That’s a good thing — but it can also create problems if your loved ones need access to your records during an emergency.

Without a HIPAA Authorization, even your spouse, children, or trusted agents may be shut out of important conversations about your care.

A HIPAA Authorization ensures that the right people can get the information they need to make informed medical decisions on your behalf.

What a HIPAA Authorization Can Do

  • Allow your chosen agents to speak with your doctors
  • Give family members or trusted individuals access to medical records
  • Help your Medical Power of Attorney agent understand your medical situation
  • Avoid delays in getting needed information during emergencies

What a HIPAA Authorization Cannot Do

A HIPAA Authorization does not give anyone the right to make medical decisions for you — it only gives them access to information.

For decision-making authority, you still need a Medical Power of Attorney.

Who Should You Authorize?

You can authorize anyone you trust — typically:

  • Your spouse or partner
  • Adult children
  • Other trusted family members or close friends
  • Your healthcare agents named in your Medical Power of Attorney

You can name multiple people if you choose, and you can limit what information each person is allowed to receive.

Who Needs a HIPAA Authorization?

Every adult should have a HIPAA Authorization, especially if:

  • You want your family to have easy access to medical updates during emergencies
  • You have specific people you want involved in your care decisions
  • You want to avoid legal red tape at a time when quick information is critical

Without a HIPAA Authorization, your loved ones could be left in the dark when it matters most.

A Simple Example

Emily’s Story
Emily was in her late 40s when she suffered a sudden medical emergency. Her sister rushed to the hospital but couldn’t get any information about Emily’s condition because there was no HIPAA Authorization on file.
It took hours and involvement from hospital attorneys to resolve the issue.
If Emily had signed a simple HIPAA Authorization ahead of time, her sister could have been given updates immediately and helped advocate for her care.

How a HIPAA Authorization Compares to Other Estate Planning Documents

A HIPAA Authorization works alongside your other documents to make sure everything runs smoothly:

Each of these documents has its place. A HIPAA Authorization fills the important role of making sure information flows to the people who need it most.

Final Thoughts

A HIPAA Authorization may seem like a small document, but it plays a big role in making sure your healthcare wishes can be carried out smoothly.
By authorizing trusted people to access your medical information, you make it easier for them to help you — and you give yourself one more layer of protection and peace of mind.

Estate Planning Basics

Learn the purpose of each essential estate planning document—what it does, when to use it, and how it fits into your overall plan. These pages provide plain-English explanations of Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and other tools to help you protect your health, your finances, and your loved ones.

Wills

Revocable Living Trusts

Medical Power of Attorney

Durable Power of Attorney

HIPAA Authorization

Directive to Physicians