Resource Link

https://www.aclu.org/documents/authorizations-share-medical-and-educational-records-california-based

Resource Description

Introduction: This document explains how people with disabilities can get help making choices without having a conservatorship. A conservatorship gives someone else total control over your choices. The document shows there are better ways to get help that let you keep your rights to make decisions.

Resource Summary

Content Summary: When someone turns 18, they have the right to make their own choices. Some people think adults with disabilities need a conservatorship, but there are simpler ways to get help. The document includes easy-to-use forms that let people share their medical and school info with people they trust. For medical choices, you can sign a form called a HIPAA Release. This lets people you trust see your medical records. You can also bring anyone you want to your doctor visits. If you ever get too sick to make choices, you can sign a form called a Power of Attorney for Health Care. This lets someone you pick make health choices for you. For school choices, you can sign a form that lets people come to your IEP meetings and see your school records. You don't even need to sign anything to bring someone to your IEP meeting - you can just invite them. For money matters, there are also ways to get help without giving up control. Someone can become your representative payee to help manage government checks like SSI. You can also set up joint bank accounts or special debit cards that help stop scams. The document includes three simple forms written in clear language. The first form is called "Sharing My Medical Information." It lets you pick who can see your medical records and for how long. The second form is "If I Need Help Making Medical Choices." This lets you choose someone to make health choices if you can't make them yourself. The third form is "Sharing School Information." This lets you pick someone to help with school choices and see your records. All these forms use simple words and clear instructions. They explain your rights and let you stay in control. You can change your mind about sharing info at any time. The forms need to be signed and sometimes need witnesses to make them legal. For medical forms, the witnesses can't be your doctors or people who work where you live. These options are easier and cheaper than getting a conservatorship. They let you get help while keeping your right to make your own choices. You can pick who helps you and what kind of help you want.