The HIPAA Release: What It Is and Why You Need One (2025 Update)

At The Lansky Law Firm, we know that medical situations often happen suddenly. In those moments, your loved ones should be able to step in and support you — not face unnecessary obstacles. That’s why including a HIPAA Release in your estate plan is so important.

Without it, even close family members may be denied access to vital medical updates. With it, you control who has access, what they can see, and under what circumstances, ensuring your wishes are respected while your loved ones can advocate for you when it matters most.

What HIPAA Protects

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was created to safeguard your protected health information (PHI). PHI includes:

• Diagnoses and treatment histories

• Lab results and test reports

• Prescriptions and procedures

• Billing and insurance records

While these protections keep your information private, they can also prevent family members from receiving the information they need during an emergency.

Recent Changes You Should Know (2024–2025)

• Reproductive healthcare privacy strengthened under an April 2024 rule, though parts are still under legal challenge.

• Proposed Security Rule updates would enhance safeguards for electronic PHI and increase accountability for healthcare providers and their business associates.

• Substance use disorder records are being aligned more closely with HIPAA standards, clarifying consent, disclosure, and permitted uses.

Why You Still Need a HIPAA Release

Even with HIPAA’s protections, healthcare providers cannot share your medical information with anyone — including your spouse or children — unless you’ve authorized it in writing.

A HIPAA Release ensures that:

• Your chosen family members or friends have access when needed.

• You remain in control of what information is shared.

• Communication between providers and family members flows smoothly in times of crisis.

Tips for a Strong HIPAA Authorization in 2025

• Be specific: Clearly list who gets access, what records they can see, and under what conditions.

• Think digitally: Include authorization for electronic records or apps if you use them.

• Cover sensitive areas: Mental health and substance use records may need special authorization.

• Update often: Laws, healthcare systems, and your personal wishes may change over time.

The Real Goal: Peace of Mind

At The Lansky Law Firm, our mission is to help families prepare with confidence. A HIPAA Release is a small but powerful document that ensures your privacy is respected while empowering your loved ones to act on your behalf when needed.

Peace of Mind through Preparation.

Visit Us: 6800 Poplar Ave #225, Memphis, TN 38138

Call Us: (901) 767-7006

Learn More: www.lanskylawfirm.com