Talking to a parent's doctor: what HIPAA allows
Can the doctor talk to me if my parent can't give permission?
It may. HHS says that when your parent isn't there or can't give permission, a provider may share with you if it seems like this would be in their best interest.
HHS says: “When you are not there or when you are injured and cannot give your permission, a provider may share information with these people if it seems like this would be in your best interest.” “These people” are family and friends involved in the person’s care.
It’s the provider’s judgment, so it may share what’s relevant, and it may not. If you are your parent’s personal representative, for example under a health care power of attorney, the rules for you are different.
More questions caregivers ask
- Can I talk to my parent's doctor?
- Does a health care power of attorney let me see my parent's records?
- Does my parent's doctor have to tell me anything?
- All the questions
From Centis, a free care notebook you talk to. This is general information from HHS’s own pages, not legal advice; state law can make a difference.
Further reading
- Family Members and Friends (opens in a new tab), from the US Department of Health and Human Services: when doctors can share information with family under HIPAA
- Personal Representatives (opens in a new tab), from the US Department of Health and Human Services