She Just Wants to Help: The Right Way to Let a Loved One Make Your Medical Appointments
One of my octogenarian clients recently reached out with a thoughtful question:
“My granddaughter is a nurse and knows my schedule better than I do. Can she just make my medical appointments for me, even if I’m not on the phone?”
The request was simple and practical — but as with many things in the legal world, the solution required more than just a quick phone call to the doctor’s office.
Why a HIPAA Authorization Isn’t Enough
It’s a common misconception that a HIPAA authorization alone gives someone the ability to act on your behalf. In reality, HIPAA authorization only allows someone to access your medical information — such as test results or visit summaries. It doesn’t grant the authority to make calls, schedule appointments, or coordinate care.
What Actually Works: A Healthcare Power of Attorney
To allow someone — in this case, her granddaughter — to call the doctor, schedule visits, and handle medical logistics, we needed to put a Healthcare Power of Attorney in place. This document formally authorizes a trusted person to speak with healthcare providers and manage care-related tasks.
Limited Authority for a Specific Need
In this situation, my client didn’t want to delegate broader authority or end-of-life decision-making. She simply wanted help with appointments. So, we’re preparing a limited Healthcare Power of Attorney that does just that — giving her granddaughter the ability to handle scheduling and routine communication, without extending that authority to final medical decisions.
The Benefit of Clarity
Having the proper legal document makes things easier for both the patient and the healthcare providers. There’s no confusion about who can speak on your behalf, and it avoids the frustration of being told, “Sorry, we can’t speak with anyone but the patient.”
Final Thought
This type of support is becoming more relevant as families find practical ways to care for loved ones. Whether it’s a nurse in the family or simply someone who wants to help, a properly crafted Healthcare Power of Attorney — even one limited in scope — ensures they can.
Need help putting the right plan in place?
Kaminski Law Group is here to make it simple and tailored to your needs. Call us at (916) 540-7618 or visit www.californiatrusts.law
