Should I give grandparents a medical release to keep the kids for a week?

[Corriander]

In August my dh and I will go to California for a friend's wedding. The kids will be with my dad and stepmom for 5 days. It occurred to me that maybe I should sign some kind of medical release just in case one of the kids needs stitches or something. Is that necessary?

I completely trust my dad and step-mom to make good medical decisions, so that is really not part of the equation. A true emergency (car accident) wouldn't need my permission, would it?

Does anyone have experience with this issue?

Thanks

[Arduinna]

I always have and I also request them when we have taken my dd's friends with us on trips.

My feeling is better safe than sorry.

[laralou]

I always do too.

[fullofhope]

My mom always did, anytime I was out of her hands overnight- I personally thought she was over the top until one night I was at a friend's house and got hurt and she couldn't be reached. It takes seconds to write, and it could make a big difference. If I remember rightly, they'll still try to contact you, but if they can't, then whoever you named can say.

janel

[CerridwenLorelei]

yes do here is what i do

-and in my area even in a full obvious emergency they won't treat without it if someone else brings them in

Mary and John smith have my permission to obtain both routine and emergency medical care during the dates of July 5-July 10
2003 for my children Jonny smith, george smith, etc

I also include the peds name and number, all the allergies and daily medications/mg of each child

then I provide my cell at the bottom

[detergentdiva]

Yes leave not only medical consent but also make sure they have copies of the medical cards.
If in an emergency they will wait for legal guardians permission before performing any invasive procedure unless it is life threatening. They will put off any procedures until they are life threatening. All states vary in the degree of this and at what point the dr. can make the decision. It usually takes 2 drs on diagnosis and decides the second one signs off on the decision basically saying that it was a medical necessity.
This usually isn't an issue with a broken bone but can be if it is more serious and requires invasive medical intervention.

[mamalisa]

We have a form on file with the 2 closest hospitals in our area and my dad has a sheet on his fridge. It has all of our contact info(just in case my dad is too shaken to remember it all) ds's birthdate, age, wieght, height(just crossed out and updated as needed) and the standard sentence giving him permission to make decisions for us.

[Pynki]

Dh parents live about 2 hrs away, and LOVE taking the boys (4 &3) during the summer.. (MIL works for the schools and has all summer off and FIL is retired) Because we are soo far away.. I leave either our insurance cards, or copies of them with the PIL, and a note authorizing them to have the boys treated if necessary.. I also stipulate which hospital/health center they can take them to because i don't mind one of them, but the other onee.. NO way.. Besides.. It's the closest one to them..

MIL told me she really appreciates it for the just incases too.. She hasn't had to use it yet (which we are both grateful for) but she (and I) am very glad she has it...

Warm Squishy Feelings...

Dyan

[CortLong]

I always do!

[Foobar]

Do it!

When my nephews stay with us for a week, we always have a medical release from my sister. It's good to have just in case

[Corriander]

Thanks for all the replies! This is definately something I will do.

Thanks again.