Because you can't always be where your child is, there are two forms that you can use to ensure that your child receives necessary treatment in an emergency, or basic care in your absence.

"Authorization for Medical Care of a Minor" is a form which gives permission for a physician, surgeon or dentist to provide immediate medical or hospital care when you are not available to give consent. You can fill the form out in advance and give copies to grandparents, teachers, or any other adult caregiver of your child. To obtain a consent form, contact your local hospital or your doctor's office.

A "Limited Power of Attorney for Minor Child" is a form which allows your child's temporary caretaker, such as a grandparent, to obtain not only medical care for your child, but to enroll your child in school or daycare, sign consent forms, etc. One situation in which the form might be used is if you have a child in your family that frequently needs hospitalization, requiring that other children in the family be left in someone else's care for an extended time during your absence. A "Limited Power of Attorney" could allow the temporary caretaker to take your children to scheduled medical appointments, sign school forms and provide other services for which you would normally be required to provide consent. For more information about the use of a "Limited Power of Attorney for Minor Child," contact your attorney.