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.”
Benefits and Drawbacks of 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. However, some experts are concerned about the 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, and could inform mom and dad that their child is talking to a therapist, taking birth control or going to the health center for a nasty hangover.
Expert Opinions on 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. She noted that the forms could be seen as fear-based marketing and a potential overreach in signing away students’ rights. 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.
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, she can talk to anyone, which would hopefully prevent something like that from happening in the future.
Conclusion
Mama Bear Legal Forms offer a solution for parents who want to ensure they can support their college-bound children in case of an emergency. While some experts have raised concerns about the potential overreach in signing away students’ rights, many parents have found the service to be a valuable tool for peace of mind. Ultimately, the decision to use Mama Bear Legal Forms should be made after careful consideration of the benefits and drawbacks.
FAQs
Q: What is Mama Bear Legal Forms?
A: Mama Bear Legal Forms is a company that provides privacy waivers for college-bound kids to grant their parents access to their medical records and educational information.
Q: How much do Mama Bear Legal Forms cost?
A: The cost of Mama Bear Legal Forms is under $100.
Q: What types of forms are included in the Mama Bear package?
A: The package includes health and financial power-of-attorney forms, a release waiving FERPA, and a release waiving HIPAA medical-privacy rights.
Q: Can I customize the forms to fit my specific needs?
A: Mama Bear Legal Forms is a one-size-fits-all solution, and it is recommended to consult with a legal expert for customized forms.
Q: Are Mama Bear Legal Forms available for all colleges and universities?
A: Yes, Mama Bear Legal Forms can be used for any college or university.
Q: How long do the forms remain in effect?
A: The forms remain in effect until the student revokes them.
