Introduction to Mama Bear Legal Forms
When Jennifer Hughes’ son was in a mountain biking accident last year, she was prepared to go into full “mama bear” mode, overseeing his medical care and insurance details. But the Chicago-area mom ran into repeated roadblocks — federal privacy laws — that turned an already stressful time into a nightmare. Her son, Vance Hughes, had recently turned 18, meaning she no longer had unfettered access to his medical records or his health insurance and financial information.
The Problem of Accessing Medical and Student Records
Hughes’ fears were quelled by a company with a name that resonated: Mama Bear Legal Forms. For under $100, college-bound kids can sign privacy waivers, granting their parents access to their medical records and educational information, including grades. Technological advances have increasingly given parents the ability to track their children’s locations and technology usage. Mama Bear taps into a market of parents accustomed to this vigilance who realize their access changes when their kids turn 18 and are subject to medical- and student-privacy laws.
How Mama Bear Legal Forms Work
Mama Bear’s website provides a bundle of health and financial power-of-attorney forms, a release waiving the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, which prevents parents from accessing their child’s educational records once they turn 18, and a release waiving the student’s federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, medical-privacy rights. Representatives of the Nebraska-based company did not respond to interview requests. Mama Bear, which is not a law firm and doesn’t offer legal advice, markets itself as a solution for anxious parents to “feel confident knowing you can support your college-bound child.”
Parental Reactions to Mama Bear Legal Forms
“It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind,” said Ruth Epps, a Littleton mom whose son at the University of Colorado Boulder signed Mama Bear legal forms. Chatter about Mama Bear’s services pops up every few weeks in CU-related Facebook groups, where parents crowdsource questions about their children’s dorm-room assignments, ask where they can order soup for a sick kid, and find out which classes are best. Parents on Facebook wrote that their social media feeds were filled with Mama Bear ads and posts wanting to know more from families who have used the services.
Concerns About Mama Bear Legal Forms
Jennifer Hendricks, a CU Boulder law professor and co-director of the Juvenile and Family Law Program, wasn’t as sold on Mama Bear Legal Forms. It wasn’t so much the medical directive or health care power of attorney that concerned her, although she noted it was more likely a parent would need those forms for themselves than for their children. What worried Hendricks was what she described as fear-based marketing and a potential overreach in signing away students’ FERPA and HIPAA rights. These forms go beyond allowing parents to have a say if a medical emergency strikes, she said.
A One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Colorado-based family law attorney Rich Harris said he’s had conversations with his own family about whether they should consider some of these legal forms for their college-aged children. He advised talking to legal experts rather than outsourcing to a one-size-fits-all internet option. “There’s a trend in these do-it-yourself legal form companies,” Harris said. “I’ve been cautioning people for years to be very, very careful about them because they purport to give you a one-size-fits-all approach for a super low fee and offer very little legal customization.”
A Gradual Roll into Adulthood
Epps, the Littleton mom, felt her fear realized after her son got sick while at CU Boulder. He didn’t know how to advocate for himself when he went to the doctor, she said, and he didn’t say much when she asked how his appointment went. She tried to call the university to learn more, but was told she couldn’t access his medical information. Epps’ son ended up developing pneumonia and needed to come home to get better, missing about a month of school, she said. “Now that he has Mama Bear in place, I can talk to anyone,” she said.
Conclusion
Mama Bear Legal Forms offer a solution for parents who want to maintain access to their child’s medical and educational records after they turn 18. While some parents find the service to be a valuable tool for peace of mind, others have raised concerns about the potential overreach of signing away students’ FERPA and HIPAA rights. It is essential for parents to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using such services and consider consulting with legal experts before making a decision.
FAQs
Q: What is Mama Bear Legal Forms?
A: Mama Bear Legal Forms is a company that provides a bundle of health and financial power-of-attorney forms, a release waiving the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and a release waiving the student’s federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) medical-privacy rights.
Q: How much does Mama Bear Legal Forms cost?
A: The cost of Mama Bear Legal Forms is under $100.
Q: What are the benefits of using Mama Bear Legal Forms?
A: The benefits of using Mama Bear Legal Forms include having access to your child’s medical and educational records, being able to make medical decisions on their behalf, and having peace of mind.
Q: What are the concerns about Mama Bear Legal Forms?
A: The concerns about Mama Bear Legal Forms include the potential overreach of signing away students’ FERPA and HIPAA rights, and the fear-based marketing tactics used by the company.
Q: Should I consult with a legal expert before using Mama Bear Legal Forms?
A: Yes, it is recommended that you consult with a legal expert before using Mama Bear Legal Forms to ensure that you understand the implications of signing away your child’s rights and to determine whether the service is right for your family.
