Season 3 Episode 60: When Your Teen Turns 18: Why Every Parent Needs to Talk About a Medical Power of Attorney
Jan 27, 2026
The day your child turns 18, everything changes legally. One moment, you're able to access their medical records online and the next, you're locked out of their health records and decisions, even in an emergency. It’s a harsh reality many parents aren’t prepared for.
This blog post walks you through why a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA) is one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have with your teen and how to make it a milestone of independence, not a moment of panic.
What Is a Medical Power of Attorney?
A Medical Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows your 18-year-old to choose who can make medical decisions on their behalf if they are ever unable to speak for themselves.
Without it, parents don’t automatically have a say, even in emergencies.
Why This Matters at 18
As soon as your child becomes a legal adult, privacy laws go into effect. HIPAA protects their medical information, which means you could be sidelined during a health crisis unless your child has legally named you or someone else they trust as their medical agent.
This doesn’t have to be scary. It’s a powerful way to teach your young adult what real independence looks like.
A Real Wake-Up Call From a Parent
In episode 19 of the Thoughtful Planning podcast, our guest April Adams Pertuis shared her experience when her 18-year-old son needed surgery. She stood by while he signed medical forms in pain because, legally, she could not sign for him. She wasn’t trying to control his decisions. She simply wanted to be there to support him. But without an MPOA in place, she had no authority.
How to Help Your Teen Complete a Medical Power of Attorney
Here’s how to guide your child through this process without making it overwhelming:
- Start the conversation before their 18th birthday (Reference episode 59 for conversation help)
- Explain that this form gives them the power to choose their medical decision-maker
- Go to the eFileTexas website
- Let them create their own account
- Discuss who to trust as an agent
- Complete the online form
- Sign the document with two witnesses and a notary
- Share copies and store it safely
- Track who has a copy
You’re Not Alone
Helping your young adult step into their new responsibilities doesn’t mean stepping away. It means coaching, mentoring, and making sure they’re protected if the unexpected happens.
For more context, listen to episode 60 of Thoughtful Planning, where we cover each step in detail and share powerful stories from real families.
Resources from This Episode
eFileTexas Medical Power of Attorney Form: https://texas.tylertech.cloud/SRL/SRL/ExecuteInterview
Texas HHS Advance Directives (English & Spanish): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/formas/advance-directives
Emory Healthcare Critical Conditions Planning Guide: https://www.hcethics.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=328955&module_id=377761
Compassion & Choices Toolkit (English/Spanish): https://compassionandchoices.org/resource/eoldgt/
Episode 13 – Planning With Clarity (Stacey Edwards): https://youtu.be/JD69gLJr0qQ
Episode 19 – How Facing Adversity Can Fuel Your Planning (April Adams Pertuis): https://youtu.be/FKbdbbY7TxI?si=O_8S60UZsazTnegO
Episode 56 – Living Will Preparation (Part 1): https://youtu.be/sq7asB8MhUM
Episode 57 – Living Will Addendums (Part 2): https://youtu.be/Hw-oSJE5RRA
Episode 58 – Completing the Texas Directive (Part 3): https://youtu.be/SyG76P_BfXQ
Episode 59 – Choosing Your Medical Power of Attorney Agent: https://youtu.be/qGR1i4I6Ujs?si=k2G0uyHlDYHhL2dP
Final Thoughts
This isn’t about control. It’s about support. It’s about raising confident young adults who know how to protect themselves and make smart, informed decisions. We recommend you listen to episodes 56 to 60 because they give the full picture of the Living Will and the Medical Power of Attorney.
Stay tuned for the next episode on the HIPAA document, a form not always mentioned, but super important.
The resources shared are focused on Texas residents. If you have questions for the state you live in reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll do our best to help you.
Share this blog post with another parent facing this same milestone.
Disclaimer: We are not attorneys, financial advisors, or medical professionals. Everything shared is for educational purposes only. We focused on Texas laws; please research laws in your state. For complex situations, consult an estate planning attorney.
