HIPAA Authorization: Why Every Adult Needs One

HIPAA protects your medical privacy — and creates a problem most adults have never considered: if you are unconscious in the ER, your spouse, parents, or adult children cannot legally get an update on your condition without your prior written authorization.

What it does A HIPAA authorization is a written consent identifying the people you want providers to share your medical information with. Without it, providers default to silence — even with immediate family.

How it differs from a healthcare directive A [healthcare directive](/healthcare-directive) lets someone make medical **decisions** for you. A HIPAA authorization simply lets providers **share information** with the people you choose. Most families need both.

Who should be on it - Spouse or partner - Adult children - Parents (especially for young adults) - A trusted backup

When to update it - When you marry or divorce - When a child becomes a legal adult - When you move to a new state

VoiceWill™ prepares a HIPAA authorization alongside your healthcare directive in a single voice-guided session.