Darlynn Morgan

Caring.com Expert

Recently Published on Caring.com

1. Tuesday August 28, 2007

   1. How do I gain access to my parent's health records without a durable power of attorney for health care?

      Answer - HIPAA has proven to be a nightmare for more than a few families. Legally, you need to be named in a HIPAA authorization to gain access to your mother's data, or even to talk to her doctor -- even if she has given you a durable power of attorney for healthcare... 1 Comment

   2. Can my parent give durable power of attorney for healthcare to one child, and durable power of attorney for finance to another?

      Answer - For every family, this is a personal, individual decision. There's nothing to prevent your parents from giving durable power of attorney for healthcare and finance to two different children. There's no right or wrong answer. It depends on your family and your situation. There may be a sibling in the family with whom everyone gets along...

   3. Can a parent revise or revoke a durable power of attorney for healthcare or finances?

      Answer - Yes, he can do this at any time, without the aid of an attorney, until he's incapable of making that decision. Though you may not approve of his revisions, remember that the laws that enable your father to draw up a durable power of attorney, giving you the right to make decisions for him, are designed to aid and protect him, not you...