Trusts and Estates, Litigation and Personal Injury Lawyers

New Blog

News

Fairfield Company InLife Introduces College Transition Package; Essential Paperwork Allows Families to Navigate Medical Emergencies

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        
Contact: Mark Schnitzler

(203) 692-4600

mark@inlife365.com

Fairfield, CT—July 27, 2022. Congratulations to everyone with children heading off to college! As a parent of a rising college freshman, there are so many things to help plan and think about…meal plans, classes, “to do” lists, bedding, etc.  However, most parents do not realize that they are missing an essential piece; the ability to help their young adult child in a medical emergency.

Parents do not understand the implications of their 18-year-old son or daughter being considered “an adult” in the eyes of the law.  This means that if your child is taken to an emergency room or other medical professional for an emergency situation, the doctors are legally prohibited from discussing your child’s condition and/or treatment.  These restrictions apply even if the parents continue to financially support that child or if he or she remains covered under the family health insurance. The question then becomes - what can parents do to protect their children?

The College Transition Package from InLife: Parents can preserve their ability to remain involved in emergency medical decision making by having their adult child execute legal forms before they leave for college.  InLife, a Fairfield, Connecticut firm co-founded by attorney Mark Schnitzler, will customize the documents families need to conform with the formalities mandated by the State of Connecticut and they will be recognized by any other state where your college student will reside.

Attorney Schnitzler can help by explaining and executing this comprehensive package of legal forms that will enable parents of college students to assist them in making medical decisions in case of an emergency or illness.  “No parent wants to dwell on the idea that their child could become ill or injured,” he said. “However, unfortunate incidents happen.  This is especially true when your young adult has an underlying medical condition or significant history.” 

According to a study from the National Institutes of Health, hospitalization for drug and alcohol overdoses among 18- to 24-year-olds increased dramatically over the past two decades.   Chronic illness among young people is also on the rise; one source estimates as many as 1 in 4 children now live with chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma.  Executing the InLife ‘College Transition Package’ documents prior to an emergency gives families peace of mind by allowing parents to legally make  life-saving decisions on behalf of their young adult child.

For more information or learn how you assist your child during a medical emergency when they are away at college, please contact us at mark@inlife365.com or visit us at www.inlife365.com.

Mark Schnitzler