Leaving little ones...
 

DH and I are going on a trip tomorrow leaving our 2 little ones (though, I do not want to!) Does anyone have a form letter that I can use giving my Mom (who is taking care of them) the ability to make health care decisions? Thanks!

You really don't need one, just list childrens names and that you are giving your mother [with her name] authority to make medical decisions.

Here's one that will work, although it is for children with special needs. It has a place to list medical history, which would be helpful.

http://www.aap.org/advocacy/blankform.pdf

Hope this helps...
Debi

Our local hospital has a form available for just that purpose. It lists the names of the children and the name[s] of those who will be responsible for the children. It also gives a place to list the Doctor, insurance and pertainent medical info. The last line is for parent signatures.

I've also used www.lawdepot.com for a form when traveling with a friend's child.

I agree with Debi, you really don't need one. We care for our grandchildren several times a year. Their parents write out a note giving us authority to make medical decisions. They also list the childrens names as well as the names of their regular Drs. And of course we always have Telephone # where parents can be reach. Our daughter-in-law sometimes leaves other envelopes (one for each night they are gone) for the kids to open either at bedtime or breakfast that have little "I Love You" messages, pictures she has drawn or special coupon for a treat at store, etc. Kids love it. Relax and enjoy your trip.

Good point SuzieTrue, I forgot our kids always leave the insurance card and the note also has their signatures and current date on it.

As a grandfather who recently looked after his G'son and watched him fall down a half flight of stairs, I have some experience!! The ER did not ask for any permission letters--yours might. But I had no insurance info so I had to call his mother --a 1000 miles away and get that. Leave a copy of your ins card!! Fortunately he had no injuries but takes every opportunity to tell folks he fell down the stairs at G'daddy's house

Also, list not only the regular doctor, but any other specialty, orthopedist, surgeon, dentist, etc. that they might need on an emergency basis if you have a preference. Unexpected things that happen to the kids are always seem to be the ones that require special work.

Been there and done that!!! It seemed as if every vacation time included time spent getting a kid stitched up.

rungirl,

This form looks as if it would be what you need.

I don't remember where I found it, but since we keep our grandchildren often, I thought we would find it useful.

Parent’s Medical Release Form
I hereby give permission for any and all medical attention necessary to be
administered to my child (name) _________________________________
in the event of accident, injury, sickness, etc., while they are under the care
of the person(s) designated below, until such time as I may be contacted.
If neither of the person(s) designated below can be contacted, I give
permission for treatment of my child as may be required and determined by
the appropriate health care professional who is present.
This release is effective from (date) ______________ to ______________.
I hereby assume responsibility for payment of such treatment and have
attached my child’s insurance information.
My name: ________________________________________ ___________
Phone (H):______ ___ ___ (W): ______________ (Cell)_ _____________
My home address:__________ ____________________________________
City:____ _________________State:______Zip:__________
Where I am going:
_____________________________________ _______________
_____________________________________ _______________
In case I cannot be reached, either of the following is designated:
Name: ____________________ _____ Phone: _____________________
Name: __________________ _______ Phone: __ _______________
My insurance policy number is: _ ____________________________
My child’s physician:__________________ __
Physician's Phone:______________________ Address:_________________
_____________________________________ _______________
Known allergies or medical conditions of child:_______________________
_____________________________________ _______________
_____________________________________ _______________
Medications child takes: __________________
Parent's name (print): __________________________________________
Signature (parent): ____________________________________________
Date: ________________________

Thank you so much to everyone who replied! Your information provided me with all I need and I even feel an ounce less stress about leaving my "babies"!

Thank you thank you!!!

And just remember you are likely only a cell phone call away - so if your mother or MD/hospital had any questions, they could also call you and get permission over the phone.

Something people do not think of is also if you have pets, leave the name of their vet as well.