Question about Healthcare

[Soapy Bones]

I am writing this in regards to a good friend's father who is in the hospital in critical condition. Her father was just diagnosed with cancer, has diabetes, on dialisys and has a plethora of other medical problems. He was admitted to the hospital this weekend with a number of symptoms and was lifeflighted to the area advanced medical center. She has been given a power of attourney for his care since he is divorced from her mother. She is in charge of his care to as much a degree as possible being 20 and in college.

In any event, she is having problems with finding out her dad's medical condition from the doctors and other specialists, and she is investigating the HIPAA to find out if there is any law that says that she should be allowed to know her dad's condition. Is anyone familiar with this or any other suggestions to help her out. It's a really sad situation and she is incredibly stressed, i just want to do anything that I can to help her out.


Thanks everyone

 

[pyonir]

It's her dad and they won't tell her what is going on?

Tell her to get a lawyer.

 

[911paramedic]

If she has a medical power of attorney they should tell her whatever she wants to know. By her father signing that he has given her full access to his medical records, as well as assisting in determining treatment if he is unable to.

They should give her full access if she has that document, but she needs to be aware that she will need to actually SHOW it to them for them to honor it, and they will make a record of it in his file so she should only have to do it once.

 

[Soapy Bones]

Well a slight update.

Apparently she doesn't have the power of attorney just yet and the problem is that her dad is in a coma practically and its physically impossible for him to sign, is there anything else that can be done? I am sure there are laws or guidelines on this medical situation but does anyone have any suggestions?