POAs are critical for college students

With a daughter in college and son going on college visits, I appreciate how hectic this transition can be. Between dorm lists, tuition payments and move-in schedules, there’s a lot to manage. 

Amid the chaos, I urge parents to add one critical item to their checklist: Securing healthcare and financial powers of attorney for their college-bound children.

From a healthcare standpoint, it’s a difficult truth that once your child turns 18, they are legally an adult. No matter who pays the bills or provides insurance, HIPAA privacy laws prevent doctors and hospitals from sharing medical information with anyone but the patient. In an emergency, that could mean you’re unable to receive updates, speak with physicians, or help make critical decisions.

A healthcare POA changes that. It authorizes you or another trusted adult to communicate with providers and make medical decisions if your child cannot. It ensures continuity of care and allows you to step in quickly when time matters most.

This became personal for me last December when my daughter suffered a serious collarbone injury skiing. She required surgery and then follow-up care after returning to school in Atlanta. Because I had the POA in place, I was able to stay involved every step of the way. 

A financial POA is important, too. If your child is ill, injured, studying abroad or otherwise unavailable, it allows you to manage financial matters on their behalf. 

Especially when children are far from home, there’s nothing like peace of mind knowing you can be there when something goes wrong. POAs are simple to put in place. I can help.

Margaret T. Karl, Attorney at Law, is located at 25800 North Depot Street, Suite 102, in Olmsted Falls. She is currently seeking the right person to act as a legal assistant. Call 440-782-5051 or visit OlmstedOhioLaw.com for more information. Sign up for her monthly newsletter online.