<p>I know I have seen discussions of this issue in the past but didn't pay close attention. What do I need to have my D sign so I have access to her doctors, medical records, etc? If it is something files with the school, what happens if she is at a different facility on an emergency basis? Thanks for any guidance/information.</p>
<p>Here's the thing, she's 18, she can make the decision on whether she wants you to have access to those records - if you had a good pediatrician (and I say this as someone who will be starting his peds residency next year), then there should have been ample opportunity for her to get care/treatment/prescriptions/counseling without your knowledge - that's just the nature of adolescent care. She might not want you to see that. The easiest way will be if she just goes to the doctors office and gets a copy of the records for herself (which she should have with her anyway). If she wants you to have them, then she can simply make copies of those records, and give them to you. </p>
<p>If she's gone to school, and you'll be the one requesting the records, then the clinic/hospital will certainly have some sort of "release of medical records" form that shows who is requesting the records (you) and that she grants the release. </p>
<p>Of course, I've found most pediatrician's offices are so used to granting records to moms and dads, that they rarely think twice about handing those over, even when the patient is an adult. They usually don't even think to have a release of information form filled out. That being the case, you're most likely to have to fill out the paperwork if your daughter has ever been hospitalized and you need the results from that workup and treatment.</p>
<p>In a truly emergent situation (ie a motor vehicle accident), old records are rarely, if ever needed. If they need the records, the physicians will ask her for her consent, and heaven forbid, she's in a situation where she can't give consent, then you, as a parent will become the one responsible for her healthcare decisions, and you'll be able to grant that access. That's the way the laws are written. </p>
<p>I can attest that in practice, if she can give a name and telephone number (or even just a city - hooray for google) for her primary medical provider, and the doctor can get them on the phone, then all the information transfer will be done over the phone - and it's usually about a million times more efficient than sifting through reams of paper detailing strep throats and ear infections. This sort of information exchange is compliant with HIPAA without formal, written consent, because it's a "need to know" exchange by two providers using the information to care for the patient.</p>
<p>It depends on the facility but what we had our daughter do is sign the waiver online with the insurance company. Without that they will not discuss procedures, copays, billing.... Trust me on this one. Few adults can figure out insurance stuff so do not leave it up to the college student.</p>
<p>Check out this thread <url><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/560313-release-medical-info-student-over-18-a.html">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/560313-release-medical-info-student-over-18-a.html</a><url> . It has a lot of useful info on this issue.</url></url></p>