Child is visiting with grandparents, if the child needs medical attention. Is a note from the parents needed?

Question

parents and grandparents live in different states

Answer 1

I would write one,just in case!

Answer 2

Yes

I would not assume grandparents from a different state would know how much and when to give what is needed

A note would be helpful

Answer 3

When my husband and I leave grandma in charge, I type up a note stating where we are, when we will be back, that she is to make medical/emergency decisions in our absence or until we can be reached. If it is during the school year, I send one of these notes to school and call the school to talk to someone. I also list my son's doctor and dentist phone numbers. My youngest is allergic to penicillin so I put that on the note and I also leave a copy of our insurance cards. Grandma knows this stuff but may not remember it if there is a real emergency. Even if a note isn't needed it makes grandma and us feel better to have the boys covered---we'd rather be safe than sorry.

Answer 4

The grandparent should definitely have a signed note authorizing them to give care.  If this is going to last a while (longer than a few weeks) you should consider getting a legal document drawn up to prevent problems should some serious treatment options be needed.

Answer 5

yes you need a signed note from a parent:)

Answer 6

Yes, you need a note that has been notarized by a Notary Public.

Include your name and phone number, your parents full name and address, your child's full legal name and your child's insurance card.

Answer 7

Yes! To be on the safe side, you should type up a formal note, stating that you (list your full name) give (list full names of grandparents) permission to provide medical treatment to my son/daughter (list full name) in the event that I am not present.

List all your current contact information (if possible include a copy of your ID or DL on this form)

Print this up, make two copies. take them to a local notary and have them notarized.

I know this seems extreme but some hospitals will only prolong life and not actually treat a minor if they don't have a legal document. By getting it notarized you are giving the grandparents more ground to stand on in a medical emergency.

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

Not sure to be honest.  I had to give one to my mother-in-law, but only because she asked.  Never heard of a hospital not treating a child for a serious injury, but maybe it happens?  ANYONE can freaking right a note and sign your name to it.  The hospital doesn't have on record your signature - right??  How do they know it's the parents signature? Doesn't that make sense?  If anything, a nurse would call the parent and require them to either come to the hospital before treatment - considering it is a minor injury, or give permission over the phone.  This is my opinion, but I don't know for sure.  I'll be checking back on this question to see some answers....

Additional info: I did some research on this and state laws are different it seems, as well as hospitals.  Overall, the hospital will not cease treatment if no treatment to the child means death.  In other words, in an emergency situation, they will treat the child without parent consent.  In other situations, a relative's consent is suffice (the grandparents).  If your child will be with them for a long period of time, I would write a simple note (it doesn't have to be notarized!), along with a copy of your insurance card.