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Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
Book Consultation
984-265-7800
One major benefit is consistency across documents, which prevents conflicting provisions that could otherwise create confusion for caregivers, executors, and medical teams during important decisions and protects estate plans from unnecessary challenges later on in court proceedings.
Choosing our firm means working with a Maryland-based team experienced in estate planning and privacy law, focused on clarity, fairness, and compassionate service. We help you create durable HIPAA authorizations that align with your values and support your family’s needs.
Finally, we outline a clear pathway for periodic reviews, ensuring the document remains aligned with evolving laws and personal wishes. This process reduces ambiguity and supports ongoing care planning reliability.
A HIPAA authorization is a signed document that identifies who may view and disclose your protected health information (PHI) and for what purposes. It defines the scope, duration, and records covered, and it should be clear about revocation rights. This helps healthcare providers share essential details with trusted individuals while protecting your privacy. To create one, consult an attorney who understands both HIPAA and state privacy rules, then carefully designate successors and backup contacts. The resulting document supports informed medical decisions and smoother estate administration during challenging times.
Access requests under a HIPAA authorization can be made by the individual named in the document, or their legally authorized representative. This often includes a designated family member, guardian, health care proxy, or estate fiduciary. Providers evaluate the authorization against PHI categories and ensure the request aligns with the stated purpose and duration.
The validity period of a HIPAA authorization varies and should be specified in the document. Some authorizations remain in effect until revoked, while others have a fixed end date or apply to a specific event. Regular reviews are advised to update contacts and scope as health or family circumstances change.
Yes. You can revoke a HIPAA authorization at any time by delivering a written notice to the health care provider or organization holding the records. Revocation does not undo disclosures already made in reliance on the authorization before the revocation. After revocation, future disclosures should stop unless new authorization is granted.
A well-crafted HIPAA authorization for estate planning should include names of authorizees, a clear purpose, the PHI categories covered, timeframes, and any restrictions. It should also address revocation procedures, storage and longevity of the document, and how it interacts with powers of attorney, living wills, and guardianship instruments.
HIPAA governs who may access medical information, while powers of attorney and living wills determine who makes health decisions. The authorization should harmonize these documents, ensuring designated decision-makers can access necessary PHI to implement care plans and financial directives without violating privacy laws.
Without a HIPAA authorization, healthcare providers may be limited in sharing information with family members or fiduciaries. This can hinder timely decision making, complicate care coordination, and slow probate or guardianship actions. Establishing a proper authorization helps protect privacy while enabling appropriate access when needed.
PHI is the information itself that relates to an individual’s health status and care. A HIPAA authorization is the permission to disclose that information. The authorization defines who can receive PHI, for what purposes, and for how long, providing a controllable framework for information sharing.
To update an existing HIPAA authorization, you should create a replacement document that clearly supersedes the previous version. Notify providers and any parties relying on the prior authorization, and ensure revocation of the old document is acknowledged. Regular reviews ensure the authorization reflects current health status and family needs.
Our West Ocean City team can help you draft, review, and execute HIPAA authorizations tailored to Maryland laws and your family’s situation. We offer clear explanations, careful drafting, and collaboration with medical providers to ensure your documents support both privacy and care decisions.
