
HIPAA Authorizations
A HIPAA Authorization is a simple but essential part of a complete estate plan. It gives your trusted family members or agents the legal right to access your medical information when it matters most.
At Holt Legacy Law, we help Maryland families prepare HIPAA Authorizations that protect privacy while ensuring doctors can communicate with the people you trust.
What a HIPAA Authorization Does
Under federal law, your medical information is strictly confidential. This means that—even if they’re close family—your loved ones may not be able to get updates or discuss your condition with your doctors unless you’ve given them written permission.
A HIPAA Authorization allows you to:
Designate who can speak with your doctors and review your medical records
Authorize specific people, like your spouse, adult children, or healthcare agent, to receive information
Ensure your medical team can share critical information without violating privacy laws
Prevent confusion or delays during a medical emergency
This document works hand-in-hand with your Advance Directive and Power of Attorney to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored and your loved ones can act quickly on your behalf.
Learn more about Advance Directives »
Why Every Estate Plan Should Include a HIPAA Authorization
Medical privacy laws protect your information, but they can also make it harder for your family to help you in an emergency. Without a HIPAA Authorization:
Doctors may refuse to discuss your condition with your spouse, children, or caregivers
Your healthcare agent may face delays in getting critical medical updates
Loved ones could be left in the dark when making important treatment decisions
Including a HIPAA Authorization ensures your trusted people can stay informed and make decisions with accurate information.
How It Fits into a Complete Estate Plan
Your HIPAA Authorization complements your Advance Directive and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Here’s how they work together:
The Advance Directive expresses your medical treatment preferences.
The Health Care Power of Attorney authorizes your agent to make decisions.
The HIPAA Authorization allows your medical team to share information with your chosen agent and others.
Together, these documents form a complete health care planning package that ensures clarity, communication, and compassion at every stage.
How Holt Legacy Law Can Help
At Holt Legacy Law, we don’t just hand you forms to sign—we make sure every document works together as part of a cohesive estate plan.
We will:
Draft a HIPAA Authorization that fully complies with federal and Maryland laws
Coordinate your authorization with your other healthcare documents
Help you determine who should have access and what information they can receive
Provide guidance on where to store and share copies for quick access in an emergency
Our approach ensures your loved ones can communicate with your doctors and that your privacy remains protected at all times.
Start Planning Today
A HIPAA Authorization is a simple step that can prevent unnecessary confusion and heartache during a medical emergency.
Ready to book a free consultation?
Prefer to speak with someone directly? Call us at (410) 864-6395. We’re happy to help.