Summer vacation, health care powers of attorney for minor children

By Kevin Lonergan, Legal Assistance Counsel, and Venita Gatheright, Paralegal Specialist, US Army Sustainment CommandMay 13, 2013

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Rock Island, Ill. (May 13, 2013) -- May brings the traditional end of the school year and thoughts of summer vacations like going to grandma and grandpa's house for her special homemade cookies, to the lake with an older sibling for camping and fishing, or to a special aunt or uncle's house for an out-of-town adventure or family reunion. All are often the highlight for family fun each summer.

Everyone surely remembers to pack swimsuits, shorts, sandals and sunscreen. However, what about packing a power of attorney for emergency health care treatment for your minor children? What if your little one falls down and needs a few stitches while at grammas' house, gets into a bicycle accident while racing his friends, falls out of a tree while playing in the tree house, or gets that fishhook caught in his hand? These are a few of the types of accidents that may occur and need emergency medical treatment when parents are not around. Without documentation that authorizes a caregiver, relative or family friend to seek and obtain medical assistance for your little ones, critical and essential time can be lost before treatment can start.

Be safe and ready this vacation season. When you send your children to family, friends, or caregivers for a summer full of fun and adventure, don't forget to have a healthcare power of attorney drawn up for medical treatment for minor children. A healthcare power of attorney is essential for emergency medical care of all varieties.

Please call the legal assistance office at (309) 782-1443, to schedule an appointment to have this and other important documents drawn up for the benefit of your minor children. Don't be caught without these important documents.