QUESTION
can I legally be provided general info about an elderly relative’s well-being without medical POA?
Asked on Feb 22nd, 2020 on Elder Law - Massachusetts
More details to this question:
My elderly uncle lives in a nursing home in MA. I live in another state but I visit occasionally. There is no family available to assume POA and I cannot do it, but I still care and want to keep track of how he is in general terms. For now, I can call him and ask him. But if he can no longer communicate, I want to be able to know if he’s doing well, if he’s sick, if he enters hospice, if he’s near death. If I find out he’s not well I can visit more often. I don’t want to just be notified after his death. Can I legally be provided general information about my uncle’s well-being without medical POA?
1 ANSWER
2 Awards
A HIPAA Medical Information Release signed by your uncle will allow health care workers to share information with you. You become his eyes and ears but, unlike being an agent under a Medical Power of Attorney, you do not have a voice.
Answered on Feb 23rd, 2020 at 5:03 AM
This is general information. It cannot substitute for a personal consultation with an attorney. It is not intended to be legal advice or imply an attorney-client relationship.