What Is a HIPAA Authorization?

A HIPAA Authorization is a written document that allows healthcare providers to legally release your medical records and personal health information (PHI) to the individuals you designate. Without this document, your health care providers may refuse to share even basic information with your family members, spouse, or agents—even if you are incapacitated.

This authorization is different from a health care power of attorney or advance directive. It does not give someone the authority to make medical decisions for you. Instead, it gives them access to your medical information—which may be necessary for:

• Coordinating your care

• Making insurance claims

• Handling medical billing

• Supporting your health care agent’s decision-making

• Communicating with doctors and specialists

Who Should You Authorize?

You can name:

• A spouse or partner

• Adult children

• Health care agents named in your advance directive

• Trusted friends or caregivers

• Legal representatives or financial agents

You can also choose to limit the scope of the authorization—for example, authorizing access only to specific types of records or for a defined period of time.

Why Is a HIPAA Authorization Important?

A properly drafted HIPAA Authorization helps to:

• Ensure your health care agent can fully understand your medical condition

• Allow family members to stay informed about your care and treatment

• Avoid legal delays in emergencies or hospitalization

• Simplify the coordination of care among health providers, insurers, and decision-makers

• Protect your privacy by setting clear boundaries on who can access your information

Without this authorization, even someone you trust may be denied access to critical information about your health, diagnosis, or treatment—especially during urgent or incapacitating situations.

How Law for Georgia, LLC Can Help

At Law for Georgia, LLC, we make sure your HIPAA Authorization is carefully drafted to comply with federal and Georgia-specific privacy laws. As part of a comprehensive estate or health planning package, we help you ensure that your health information is accessible to those who need it—and protected from those who don’t.

Our HIPAA authorization services include:

• Drafting customized HIPAA Authorization forms as stand-alone documents or bundled with your estate plan

• Explaining how HIPAA interacts with your power of attorney and advance directive

• Helping you choose appropriate authorized recipients

• Providing clear instructions on how to store and share the document with your health care providers

We ensure that your medical privacy is respected while ensuring access for those you trust during critical times.

Prepare with Confidence

A HIPAA Authorization is a simple yet powerful tool to ensure your loved ones can support you when it matters most. Let Law for Georgia, LLC help you include this crucial document in your estate or incapacity planning.

📞 Contact us today at Law4GA.com to schedule a consultation and secure control over who can access your health information. Your privacy, your care, your choice.