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orthodoc · 10-18-2007, 08:10 PM

Sam, I just got back to the board and picked up this thread ... HIPAA is legislation designed to protect patient privacy, and as Merc said, you can ask questions and act as your friend's advocate if he signs a form giving the doctor permission to talk to you about his situation. If he is able to sign (able to understand what he's signing and its implications - even if he is sometimes confused or having memory problems), he should also consider a health care power of attorney - whether in favor of you or someone else.

If his family doesn't yet know, perhaps you might suggest that he talk to them ... you're right, they should at least know and hopefully become involved. I hope you'll get some support, yourself.

It sounds like you've done some good research. And I agree, the mind-body connection is important.

10-18-2007, 08:10 PM	#27
orthodoc Not Suspicious, Merely Canadian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3,774	Sam, I just got back to the board and picked up this thread ... HIPAA is legislation designed to protect patient privacy, and as Merc said, you can ask questions and act as your friend's advocate if he signs a form giving the doctor permission to talk to you about his situation. If he is able to sign (able to understand what he's signing and its implications - even if he is sometimes confused or having memory problems), he should also consider a health care power of attorney - whether in favor of you or someone else. If his family doesn't yet know, perhaps you might suggest that he talk to them ... you're right, they should at least know and hopefully become involved. I hope you'll get some support, yourself. It sounds like you've done some good research. And I agree, the mind-body connection is important. __________________ The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Ghandi