Every family should provide their nanny with an up to date, completed authorization to treat a minor form. One should also be kept on file at the children’s doctors and dentists offices.
Although laws vary from state to state, it’s possible for non-emergency care to be declined for minor children if the parents cannot be reached for consent or the adult in charge does not have an authorization to treat form in her possession.
For nannies that routinely take their charges to medical appointments, it’s important that there be a written note from the parents in each child’s medical file giving permission for the doctor or nurse to discuss the child’s medical condition with the nanny. Due to HIPPA regulations, unless express written consent is given, a doctor may choose not discuss the child’s health with the child care provider.
Parents can ask their child’s physician for an authorization to treat form or the text for creating a generic one can be found here .
Parents can also ask their child’s physician how they can give permission for their child’s medical condition to be discussed with their nanny.