The moment your child turns 18, the rules change. Here's how to prepare before move-in day.
You've helped them shop for a mattress pad, picked out a shower caddy, and mentally rehearsed the drop-off goodbye. But there's a category of college preparation that most families completely overlook — and it has nothing to do with XL twin sheets.
The day your child turns 18, they become a legal adult. That means the automatic parental rights you've had for nearly two decades — to make medical decisions, access health records, or manage financial affairs — simply disappear. Without the right documents in place, a hospital can legally refuse to tell you anything about your child's condition, even in an emergency.
Here's what to take care of before they leave.
Legal
Documents every 18-year-old should sign
Healthcare Power of Attorney
This document designates you to make medical decisions on your child's behalf if they're incapacitated. Without it, doctors have no obligation to consult you — or even inform you what's happening.
HIPAA Authorization Form
Perhaps the most overlooked document on this list. HIPAA prohibits healthcare providers from sharing your child's medical information with anyone — including parents — without explicit written consent. Many college health centers have their own version; ask for it at orientation.
Financial (Durable) Power of Attorney
Allows you to manage bank accounts, leases, or legal matters if your child is unable to. Especially important if they're studying abroad, where access to help can be significantly delayed.
FERPA Waiver
This is the academic equivalent of HIPAA. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, colleges cannot share grades, financial aid details, or academic records with parents unless the student signs a waiver. Students do this through their school's portal.
Health preparation before move-in day
Compile a complete medical summary
Create a document covering all diagnoses, current medications with dosages, allergies, immunization history, and contact info for every current provider. Store it somewhere both you and your child can access quickly.
Required immunizations
Most colleges mandate certain vaccines before move-in. Check requirements early — some need multiple doses over weeks. Don't skip the meningococcal vaccine: the bacteria spreads easily in dorms, and the consequences can be severe.
Common requirements include: MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), meningococcal, Tdap booster, varicella (chickenpox), and COVID-19 (varies by school).
Prescriptions and refill plan
Transfer existing prescriptions to a pharmacy near campus, or confirm a mail-order option. Get enough supply to cover the transition period — the first few weeks are hectic, and running out of medication is avoidable stress.
Mental health continuity
If your child currently sees a therapist or psychiatrist, start the search for a provider near campus now. Campus counseling center waitlists can stretch for weeks or months. Establish care before they need it in a crisis.
Insurance coverage
Under the ACA, your child can stay on your plan until age 26. But check whether the plan has in-network providers near campus, not just near home. Also understand what the school's student health center covers — it varies widely.
Before move-in day
- Healthcare Power of Attorney signed
- HIPAA authorization on file
- FERPA waiver submitted through the school
- Financial POA signed and stored securely
- Medical summary document created
- Immunization requirements verified and completed
- Prescriptions transferred to campus pharmacy
- Mental health provider identified near campus
- Insurance in-network coverage confirmed
- Dental and vision checkups scheduled
- Updated glasses or contact prescription obtained
Store the signed legal documents in a shared secure location — a password-protected cloud folder works well. Add the campus health center number and nearest urgent care to both your phones before you drive away.
Most importantly, have a direct conversation with your child about when and how they'dcontact you if a medical situation arose. The paperwork matters, but so does knowing you're on the same page.
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Consult an attorney for documents like power of attorney, and a healthcare provider for immunization and medical guidance specific to your situation.