HIPAA, known formally as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, was enacted to protect your medical information so that only you and your healthcare providers would have access to it. Healthcare providers who fail to follow the Act face stiff financial penalties if they share your information without your permission. Because of these penalties, the law makes it difficult for healthcare providers to divulge anything to those who are concerned about you if

Here's a scenario for you: You have sustained serious injuries to the point that you are physically or mentally incapacitated. Who will speak on your behalf regarding medical decisions? Who will make financial decisions on your behalf? While thinking of these things may make some squeamish, the issues require serious consideration. When you designate a power attorney this person can make financial and medical decisions when you cannot, whether it's receiving the kind of