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MyChart Proxy Access for Caregivers
If you help care for someone who needs support managing healthcare, you might need special access to their MyChart account through proxy access.
MyChart proxy access for caregivers lets you view information such as appointments, messages from providers and test results for another patient. Depending on your level of access, you may also be able to schedule appointments and message providers on behalf of your loved one.
In some cases, you might need legal documents that show you have the right to access the patient’s healthcare information. For example, you may need legal documentation if:
Complex care needs
You care for a child or young adult with complex health needs or an intellectual disability.
Adult care support
You help an adult who needs support managing their healthcare.
Aging parent care
You care for an aging parent who needs – or may soon need – help managing healthcare.
Supported decision-making
You're legally authorized to help make and communicate someone's healthcare decisions.
What is a power of attorney (POA)?
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A power of attorney, or POA, is a legal document that gives another person authority to act on your behalf.
Having a POA in place before it’s needed may help:
- Prevent delays in medical or financial decisions
- Avoid some court proceedings
- Make clear who you want to act on your behalf
Why a power of attorney may be helpful
An accident or sudden illness can make it hard to manage your healthcare, finances or other needs. A POA can let someone you trust help if that happens.
A POA may be helpful when:
- You’re planning for an illness, hospital stay or time when you may not be able to make decisions
- You want someone you trust to handle certain matters for you
- You want to explore options before guardianship or conservatorship
Power of attorney for people with disabilities
For some people with disabilities, a POA can provide extra support while honoring their ability to make their own choices.
For example, someone may want help managing certain healthcare or financial needs while continuing to make other decisions on their own. A POA can be set up to give a trusted person authority only in the areas where help is needed.
How to set up a power of attorney
The steps for setting up a POA depend on the type of POA and the laws in your state. In general, you might need to:
- Choose someone you trust.
- Decide what they can do on your behalf.
- Complete the right form.
- Sign the form and have it witnessed or notarized.
- Keep copies in a safe place and share them as needed.
Power of attorney terms to know
You may see these terms when you fill out POA forms:
- The principal is the one creating the POA and granting authority to an agent.
- The agent is the trusted person that can act on the principal’s behalf.
- Incapacity is when the principal can no longer make informed choices or manage their affairs due to mental or physical limitation.
Types of power of attorney
There are several types of POA. Each one gives the agent different kinds of authority.
- General – gives broad authority over legal and financial matters.
- Limited – gives authority only for certain task for a certain amount of time.
- Durable – can remain in place if the principal becomes unable to make decisions.
- Medical/healthcare – gives the agent authority to make certain healthcare decisions.
- Parental – gives someone temporary authority to act for a child.
What is guardianship or conservatorship?
Guardianship or conservatorship is a legal process in which a court grants another person authority to make certain decisions for another person.
Unlike a POA, guardianship or conservatorship involves the court. It may also give the conservator or guardian more authority to make decisions.
If you think your child or another loved one may need guardianship or conservatorship, it can help to learn about the process early—before a child turns 18 or you lose access to a patient’s healthcare information. Talk with your loved one’s provider or an attorney about your options.
Starting early may help prevent a gap in your access to the patient's healthcare information while the legal process is being completed.
What if my guardianship or conservatorship is still pending?
Guardianship or conservatorship can take time. If you need access to your loved one’s healthcare information while the legal process is underway, talk to their care team about whether temporary access may be available.
What is supported decision-making?
Supported decision-making is an approach that allows adult patients to keep decision-making authority and receive help understanding or communicating their choices.
The type of support and any formal agreement depends on the person’s needs and state requirements.
Supported decision-making resources for patients in Tennessee and Virginia
- Tennessee residents: Visit the Tennessee Center for Decision-Making Support Website
- Virginia residents: Learn More from the disAbility Law Center of Virginia
Frequently asked questions about MyChart proxy access for caregivers
Not always. If an adult patient can manage their MyChart account, they might be able to grant access directly to a trusted adult. Additional documentation might be needed when the patient can’t grant access themselves or when another person has legal authority to act for them.
MyChart proxy access is permission to view or use certain information and features in the patient portal. Healthcare power of attorney is a legal document that may authorize another person to make certain healthcare decisions. An authorized POA might be able to request proxy access if the principal can’t grant access themselves.
No single option fits every person or family. The right support depends on the patient’s abilities, needs and situation. Families can discuss decision-making support with the patient’s provider and seek legal guidance about options such as supported decision-making, power of attorney, guardianship or conservatorship.
No. While a court order provides legal authority, the caregiver will still need to complete the proxy request process and provide the requested documentation to gain access to the patient’s information in MyChart.
If an adult patient can grant proxy access, they may appoint multiple proxies. If not, legal documentation may be needed to provide proxy access for each caregiver. Each caregiver requesting proxy access must be named in legal documentation.
Need help with MyChart access?
Not sure which type of MyChart proxy access you need? Start by talking with your loved one’s provider. They can help you understand which option may fit your situation.
If you’re having any issues with MyChart, you can also contact our MyChart support team by email at mychartcentral@balladhealth.org or call (866) 517-5873.
For more information and common questions about MyChart, visit our MyChart FAQ page.