Protecting Your Child’s Medical Needs in Entering College: A Coaching Conversation
As a parent, the biggest responsibility I recognized is keeping my children safe. As my children became adults, this responsibility became harder to navigate. What if my daughter needs medical attention in college? Who gets the final say in critical medical decisions? This is a hard conversation but critical as you prepare your child for their adult journey. Let’s talk about:
Protecting Your College Student's Health: The Importance of an Advanced Healthcare Directive
When your child turns 18, they become legally an adult. This means they have the right to make their own medical decisions, and parents no longer automatically have access to their medical information. While this is a crucial step in their independence, it can also create challenges, particularly when they go away to college.
Imagine this scenario: Your child is away at college, and an unexpected accident occurs. Unless you have the legal authority to access their medical information and make decisions on their behalf, you may be significantly hindered in providing support and ensuring their well-being.
The Solution: An Advance Healthcare Directive (AHD)
An AHD is a legal document that allows your child to appoint a healthcare proxy – usually a parent, sibling, or trusted friend – to make medical decisions if they are unable to do so themselves due to an accident, illness, or sudden incapacity.
What it does:
The AHD not only designates a decision-maker but also allows your child to express their wishes regarding specific medical treatments, such as organ donation or life support.
College-Specific Forms: While some colleges may have their own versions of AHDs, these typically apply only to campus health services. In case of more serious incidents off-campus, or during travel, a legally valid AHD is crucial.
Important Note: An AHD does not give parents the right to access their child's medical information or make decisions for them if they are conscious and capable of making their own choices. It is solely for emergency situations when the student is incapacitated.
How to Obtain an AHD:
Consult an Attorney: An attorney can help your child create a personalized AHD that addresses their specific needs and concerns.
Use a Standard Form: The California State website provides a standard AHD form that can be easily accessed and downloaded.
Notarization: It is essential to have the AHD signed and notarized by a qualified notary public. While witnessing may be acceptable, healthcare providers generally prefer notarized documents.
Prepare for Transition: Help your student with packing, understanding their college schedule, and preparing for dorm life. This can include organizing finances, setting up a bank account, or figuring out how to handle health insurance.
Final Decision: If your student hasn’t already committed, this is the final chance to decide which college to attend and send in the deposit.
Tips for Parents:
Keep Copies: Maintain both paper and electronic copies of the AHD for easy access.
Travel with the AHD: Encourage your child to carry a copy of the AHD with them at all times, especially when traveling.
Update Contact Information: If phone numbers change, simply attach a note with the updated information to the AHD.
Provide AHD to Healthcare Providers: If your child is undergoing a scheduled procedure, provide a copy of the AHD to the healthcare facility.
By taking the proactive step of creating an AHD, you can provide your college student with peace of mind and ensure that their medical needs are addressed effectively in the event of an emergency. EYH College Coach has all the resources and team to refer and navigate this journey. We partner with experts in every part of the pre-college and college journey to ease the stress of this important transition. Visit our website and reach out today at:
https://www.eyhcollegecoach.com/ To schedule a complementary call.