Comprehensive Guide to HIPAA Authorizations for Estate Planning and Probate
HIPAA authorizations are an important part of estate planning when you want trusted people to access health information if you cannot make decisions yourself. For residents of Huntingdon and surrounding Carroll County, integrating a clear HIPAA release into an estate plan helps ensure that medical providers can communicate with designated family members or decision makers. This section explains how a properly drafted HIPAA authorization works with powers of attorney and advance directives, why it matters for timely medical decision-making, and how it helps reduce uncertainty and delays when health information is needed during incapacity or serious illness.
Many people do not realize that without an explicit HIPAA authorization, hospitals and clinics must protect a patient’s health information and may not be able to share details with loved ones. Including a HIPAA release in estate planning documents gives named individuals lawful access to medical records, test results, and treatment updates, which can be vital for coordinating care. This article walks through practical situations where HIPAA authorizations matter, how they interact with other estate planning tools, and steps families can take in Huntingdon to make sure communications run smoothly during stressful medical events.
Why HIPAA Authorizations Matter in Your Estate Plan
A properly prepared HIPAA authorization provides legal permission for designated people to receive protected health information, which helps families make informed choices and coordinate medical care. Benefits include quicker access to records, clearer communication with medical teams, and reduced friction when decisions about treatment, discharge, or care plans arise. For caregivers and appointed decision makers, having authorization in place prevents unnecessary obstacles and enables timely action. Including HIPAA provisions alongside power of attorney and advance directives strengthens a cohesive plan for managing health and financial matters when someone becomes unable to communicate or make decisions on their own.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Approach to HIPAA Authorizations
Jay Johnson Law Firm in Hendersonville and serving Huntingdon focuses on practical estate planning and probate services tailored to Tennessee clients. Our approach emphasizes clear communication, careful drafting, and helping clients understand how HIPAA authorizations fit into their broader estate plans. We work directly with individuals and families to identify who should receive health information, ensure document language aligns with state and federal privacy rules, and coordinate with other planning documents so the plan functions as intended when it is needed most. Clients receive personalized attention and guidance through each step of the process.
Understanding HIPAA Authorizations and How They Work
A HIPAA authorization is a written document that permits health care providers to release protected health information to named individuals or organizations. It is distinct from a medical power of attorney, but these documents are often used together so that a person who makes medical decisions can also obtain the health information necessary to make informed choices. The authorization should be written carefully to specify the types of information covered, the people authorized to receive it, and the duration of the permission. Clear drafting avoids ambiguity and helps health providers comply with the request promptly.
When preparing HIPAA releases, attention to detail matters because health care facilities may require specific language or identification before releasing records. A valid authorization typically includes the patient’s identifying information, a description of the records or categories of information to be disclosed, the names of the recipients, and signature and date fields. It may also include an expiration date or conditions for revocation. By aligning the authorization with Tennessee and federal privacy rules, individuals increase the likelihood that information will be shared when needed and that their wishes regarding disclosure are honored.
What a HIPAA Authorization Is and When to Use It
A HIPAA authorization is a formal release allowing a health care provider to disclose protected health information to designated recipients. It differs from release forms used for research or marketing and is specifically focused on medical records and treatment-related communications. People use HIPAA authorizations when they want family members, caregivers, attorneys, or other trusted contacts to receive updates and records, particularly during hospitalization, ongoing treatment, or incapacity. Including an authorization in an estate planning package ensures that those responsible for decision making can access the necessary information to act quickly and consistently with the patient’s wishes.
Key Components and Steps for Drafting a HIPAA Authorization
Effective HIPAA authorizations include a clear description of the information to be released, specific named recipients, a statement of purpose if needed, and the signer’s signature with date. Many documents also state an expiration date or event that ends the permission, and they explain how a signer can revoke the authorization. The drafting process involves reviewing health provider requirements, coordinating language with powers of attorney and advance directives, and discussing with clients who should be entrusted with access. Proper execution and communication of the authorization help avoid delays and ensure health information is available when families and decision makers need it.
Key Terms and Glossary for HIPAA Authorizations
Understanding common terms used with HIPAA authorizations makes it easier to create effective documents and to communicate wishes clearly. This glossary covers the most frequently encountered phrases, explains how they impact disclosures, and provides practical insight into what each term means in daily medical and legal contexts. Familiarity with these terms helps clients and their families recognize when records can be shared, what limitations exist under law, and how to draft authorizations that align with their needs and preferences for medical privacy and access.
Protected Health Information (PHI)
Protected Health Information, commonly called PHI, includes medical records, treatment histories, test results, and other information that identifies an individual and relates to their health condition or care. PHI is safeguarded under federal privacy rules and generally cannot be disclosed without the patient’s permission except in limited circumstances. A HIPAA authorization specifies which categories of PHI may be released and to whom, making the patient’s wishes clear. When designating recipients, think about whether you need access to a narrow set of records, such as laboratory results, or a broader range of medical files so decisions can be informed.
Authorization Revocation
Authorization revocation refers to the process by which an individual withdraws permission previously granted for disclosure of health information. Revocation should be communicated in writing and delivered to the health care provider and any parties who previously received information. Providers may still rely on disclosures made before the revocation was processed. Including clear instructions about revocation in the authorization and discussing how to deliver a revocation notice helps ensure that the individual’s changing wishes are respected and that records are not shared beyond the point at which permission was revoked.
Personal Representative
A personal representative is a person authorized to make health-related decisions on behalf of another individual, often named in a durable power of attorney for health care or similar document. While the personal representative may make decisions, they also often need access to medical records and communications from providers. A HIPAA authorization can explicitly name the personal representative as a permitted recipient of PHI, removing obstacles when medical teams need to share information needed for decisions about treatment, discharge, and ongoing care coordination.
Minimum Necessary Standard
The minimum necessary standard requires that health care providers limit the disclosure of PHI to the smallest amount of information needed to achieve the purpose of the request. When drafting a HIPAA authorization, specifying the categories of information to be shared helps align with this principle, allowing providers to release only the relevant records. Being specific about the scope of the authorization can protect privacy while ensuring that decision makers receive sufficient information. Discussing the desired level of detail ahead of time reduces confusion and helps providers respond appropriately to disclosure requests.
Comparing Limited and Comprehensive Approaches to HIPAA Authorizations
Deciding between a limited HIPAA authorization that covers specific circumstances and a comprehensive authorization that allows broad access depends on individual goals and family dynamics. A limited approach constrains disclosures to certain providers, timeframes, or types of information, which can protect privacy but may require additional steps when new needs arise. A comprehensive authorization reduces the need for repeated documents and makes it simpler for trusted contacts to obtain necessary records. Weighing the trade-offs between privacy and convenience helps determine which approach best supports medical decision making and long-term care coordination.
When a Limited HIPAA Authorization Is Sufficient:
Limited Access for Specific Medical Events
A limited HIPAA authorization may be appropriate when a person only wants to allow access for a defined medical episode, such as a single hospitalization or a specific course of treatment. This approach protects broader medical history from disclosure while ensuring that providers can share needed information during that event. Limited authorizations are useful for those who want tight control over who sees health details and when. They are also helpful when family members are temporarily assisting with care but should not retain ongoing access to full medical records after the situation resolves.
Restricting Disclosure to Particular Providers
Limiting an authorization to certain providers may be appropriate when care is concentrated with a specialist or a single hospital system. This prevents disclosure across a wide network while allowing necessary communications with the professionals directly involved in treatment. Such targeted authorizations reduce unnecessary sharing of unrelated medical history and can be especially useful for individuals who see multiple providers and want to keep some records confined to primary care or a specific treatment team. Careful drafting ensures the authorization names the intended providers and clarifies the duration of permission.
Why a Comprehensive HIPAA Authorization Can Be Preferable:
Ongoing Access for Decision Makers
A comprehensive HIPAA authorization is often beneficial when appointed decision makers or caregivers need ongoing access to complete medical records to effectively manage long-term care. Broad permissions reduce administrative barriers and avoid the need for repeated paperwork whenever a new provider becomes involved or treatment decisions arise. For those with chronic conditions or complex care needs, comprehensive access helps ensure continuity and prevents information gaps between providers, family members, and other parties responsible for implementing care plans and handling related legal and financial matters.
Reducing Administrative Burden Over Time
Comprehensive authorizations streamline communication by providing a consistent legal basis for disclosures across different providers and care settings. This reduces delays and repeated requests for permission when new specialists or hospitals become involved in treatment. The convenience of a single, durable authorization can be significant for families managing ongoing medical needs, appointments, and transitions between care settings. When aligned with durable powers of attorney and advance care planning documents, a comprehensive authorization supports coordinated and efficient handling of health information in the long term.
Benefits of Including Comprehensive HIPAA Authorizations in Your Plan
Including a comprehensive HIPAA authorization in estate planning promotes timely access to health information and smoother coordination among caregivers, medical teams, and family members. This approach reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings and prevents administrative delays when records are needed for decision making. It also makes it easier to manage transitions in care, including hospital discharge planning and arrangements for home health or long-term care services, by providing a clear legal pathway for authorized individuals to receive necessary information from any treating provider.
Another key benefit is consistency: a single, well-drafted authorization helps ensure that all providers have the same instructions about who may receive health information, which reduces confusion and avoids repetitive paperwork during stressful medical events. This consistency supports effective communication, helps protect patient wishes, and allows designated decision makers to act with confidence when coordinating appointments, reviewing treatment options, or communicating with insurers and support services on behalf of the patient.
Streamlined Communication Across Providers
When a comprehensive authorization is in place, authorized individuals can receive updates and records from any treating provider without separate releases each time care transitions or new specialists are involved. This streamlined communication saves time and reduces the emotional and logistical strain often faced by family members handling medical matters. It also helps ensure that decision makers have a complete picture of ongoing care, enabling them to coordinate appointments, follow up on test results, and discuss treatment options with the medical team in an informed and timely manner.
Improved Care Coordination and Decision Making
Comprehensive access to health information supports better care coordination among multiple providers by enabling authorized individuals to gather records, share updates, and ensure that treatment plans are consistent across settings. This broader visibility can reduce medical errors, avoid unnecessary duplication of tests, and facilitate smoother transitions from hospital to home or other care facilities. Ultimately, having timely access to health data helps those responsible for decisions act in the patient’s best interests by ensuring choices are informed and well-coordinated.
Practice Areas
Top Searched Keywords
- HIPAA authorization Huntingdon
- HIPAA release form Tennessee
- medical records release Huntingdon TN
- estate planning HIPAA authorization
- health information release Carroll County
- advance directive HIPAA Huntingdon
- power of attorney medical records
- durable power of attorney Tennessee
- Jay Johnson Law Firm HIPAA release
Practical Tips for HIPAA Authorizations
Name Clear and Appropriate Recipients
Choose recipients who will realistically need access to health information and who can act responsibly on behalf of the patient. Naming specific individuals and including alternate contacts helps prevent uncertainty in stressful situations. Consider whether family members or trusted friends should be listed, and think about including successor recipients in case the primary designee is unavailable. Clear naming reduces the chance that providers will hesitate to share records and supports timely communication during medical appointments, hospital stays, or other healthcare events.
Specify the Scope and Duration
Coordinate with Other Planning Documents
Ensure that HIPAA authorizations work together with powers of attorney, advance directives, and estate planning documents so appointed decision makers can both receive necessary information and make decisions. Coordinated documents reduce confusion and make it more likely that providers will accept the arrangement. Review all documents periodically to confirm that names, contacts, and language remain current, and update them when family circumstances change or when new providers become involved in care.
Reasons to Include a HIPAA Authorization in Your Estate Plan
Including a HIPAA authorization safeguards your ability to control who receives medical information and supports better outcomes during health crises by enabling quick communication with designated contacts. It is especially valuable for those who anticipate needing decision makers to coordinate care or who want family members to stay informed about treatment progress. A clear authorization reduces stress by eliminating guesswork for providers and loved ones and helps ensure that medical teams can consult with the right people when urgent decisions or discharge planning occur.
Another reason to consider this service is that health information is often essential to financial and legal planning related to medical care, insurance claims, and benefits. Authorizations enable authorized individuals to gather records needed for claims, planning, and communicating with insurers. Including HIPAA provisions as part of a comprehensive estate plan improves readiness for unanticipated health events and helps families respond quickly and coherently when the need for timely medical information arises.
Common Situations Where HIPAA Authorizations Are Needed
Typical circumstances that make HIPAA authorizations essential include hospitalizations, complex chronic illness management, transitions to long-term care, and situations where the patient cannot communicate their wishes. These authorizations are also important when coordinating care across multiple specialists or when family members live in different areas but must stay informed. Early planning helps ensure that appropriate people have access to records and updates when medical decisions, insurance coordination, or legal matters arise in connection with health events.
Hospital Admission or Emergency Care
During a hospital admission or emergency, quick access to medical histories and test results can shape treatment. A HIPAA authorization provided in advance allows designated family members or decision makers to receive critical updates, discuss care with providers, and assist with decisions about treatment and discharge. Advance planning that includes a signed authorization helps prevent delays in communication when time is of the essence and reduces the burden on hospital staff seeking appropriate consent to share information.
Managing Ongoing or Complex Medical Conditions
For individuals with chronic or complex conditions that require coordination among multiple providers, authorizations give caregivers access to a full picture of care, including test results, medication lists, and specialist recommendations. This information supports better decision making, helps avoid duplicated testing, and makes care transitions smoother. When caregivers can readily obtain the relevant records, they are better positioned to follow medical plans, arrange appointments, and communicate changes to the care team on behalf of the patient.
Assisting with Insurance and Benefits
Authorized access to medical records can be necessary when filing insurance claims, seeking benefits, or providing documentation for disability or long-term care applications. A HIPAA authorization gives designated individuals the ability to retrieve documentation that insurers and agencies require, which helps ensure timely processing of claims and benefits. Having a clear authorization in place limits disruptions and supports the administrative tasks often required during serious illnesses or extended care needs.
Huntingdon HIPAA Authorizations and Estate Planning Assistance
Jay Johnson Law Firm serves clients in Huntingdon and Carroll County with focused guidance on including HIPAA authorizations in estate plans. We assist in identifying appropriate recipients, crafting clear language that aligns with Tennessee and federal privacy expectations, and integrating authorizations with powers of attorney and advance directives. Our process emphasizes practical outcomes so families can rely on legal documents to support timely medical communications and decision making. Reach out to discuss how a HIPAA authorization fits into your broader plan for health and financial affairs.
Why Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for HIPAA Authorizations
Clients come to us for clear, practical estate planning that addresses real-life needs, including making sure the right people can access medical information when necessary. We prioritize straightforward language, careful drafting, and coordination with other planning documents. Our goal is to reduce administrative hurdles and ensure that designated decision makers can perform their responsibilities without unnecessary delay. We work with each client to tailor authorizations to their family dynamics and health care relationships so the plan works when it matters most.
Our team can review existing documents, recommend updates, and prepare HIPAA authorizations that reflect current wishes and circumstances. We guide clients through the implications of different scope and duration choices and advise on how to communicate authorizations to providers and family members. By handling the paperwork and explaining the practical steps, we help families put a reliable plan in place that supports timely medical communication and informed decision making.
Beyond drafting documents, we help clients consider contingencies such as successor designees, revocation procedures, and aligning authorizations with proxy decision makers and advance directives. This comprehensive review reduces the chance of confusion during medical events and ensures that documents are updated as family circumstances change. Our focus is on clarity, usability, and making sure that legal tools serve the client and their loved ones effectively when health issues arise.
Get Help Drafting a HIPAA Authorization for Your Plan
How We Handle HIPAA Authorizations at Jay Johnson Law Firm
Our process begins with a consultation to understand family dynamics, health care relationships, and the client’s goals for privacy and access. We review existing estate planning documents and coordinate language so the HIPAA authorization works with powers of attorney and advance directives. After drafting, we explain execution requirements and advise on distributing copies to providers and trusted contacts. Periodic review and updates can be scheduled to reflect changes in health, relationships, or providers, helping keep the plan effective over time.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment
During the initial meeting we gather details about the client’s health care providers, family structure, and decision makers, and discuss preferences for what information should be shared and with whom. We ask about potential scenarios that might require disclosure, such as hospitalization, long-term care, or managing insurance claims, and use that information to recommend whether a limited or comprehensive authorization is most appropriate. This assessment forms the basis for drafting a document tailored to the client’s circumstances.
Identify Recipients and Scope
We help clients list primary and successor recipients, clarify whether access should be broad or confined to specific providers, and determine any conditions or expiration dates to include. Clear identification of recipients reduces confusion for providers and ensures the authorization will be honored when records are requested. We also discuss how to communicate the authorization to hospitals and clinics so those providers are aware of the document and prepared to respond if disclosure is necessary.
Coordinate with Existing Estate Documents
We review powers of attorney, advance directives, and other estate planning documents to make sure the HIPAA authorization complements those tools. Consistent language reduces the risk of conflicting instructions and increases the likelihood that providers will accept the arrangement. If other documents are outdated or contain discrepancies, we recommend updates so the entire plan functions together at the time it is needed.
Step 2: Drafting and Execution
In the drafting phase we prepare a HIPAA authorization tailored to the client’s preferences, incorporating the agreed scope, named recipients, and any conditions or expiration. We explain signature and witness requirements and discuss best practices for distributing the executed document. Proper execution and filing of the authorization with key providers helps ensure it will be recognized promptly when disclosure is needed.
Prepare Clear, Provider-Friendly Language
We use language that aligns with typical health care provider requirements while preserving the client’s privacy preferences. This includes explicitly describing the categories of information covered and naming recipients in a way that is likely to be accepted by hospitals and clinics. Clear, practical drafting encourages timely responses from providers and reduces the chance of administrative pushback when records are requested.
Execution and Distribution of Documents
After finalizing the authorization, we guide clients through signing and witnessing as required, and recommend distributing signed copies to primary providers, family members, and any appointed decision makers. We also advise on maintaining a safe original and on how to handle revocations or updates. Ensuring that providers have a copy in the file improves the likelihood that information will be released without delay in an emergency or during routine care coordination.
Step 3: Review, Update, and Ongoing Support
Estate planning is not a one-time event. We encourage periodic review of HIPAA authorizations to account for changes in health, relationships, or provider networks. When updates are needed, we assist in preparing revisions, communicating changes to providers, and documenting revocations. Ongoing support ensures that authorizations remain aligned with the client’s current wishes and continue to function effectively when medical events occur.
Periodic Reviews and Amendments
We schedule or recommend periodic reviews to confirm that named recipients, contact information, and scope remain appropriate. Amendments are prepared and executed when clients request changes, and we advise on how to notify providers to replace older versions in medical files. Regular reviews reduce the risk of outdated authorizations causing problems during critical moments.
Handling Revocations and Successor Designees
If a client decides to revoke an authorization or change who is authorized to receive information, we prepare formal revocation documents and advise on notifying providers and prior recipients. We also help name successor designees to cover contingencies. Taking those steps ensures that the client’s current wishes are known and that authorized access remains appropriate over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About HIPAA Authorizations
What is a HIPAA authorization and why do I need one?
A HIPAA authorization is a written document that permits health care providers to disclose protected health information to specified recipients. It is used to allow family members, caregivers, attorneys, or others to receive medical records, treatment updates, and related communications that would otherwise be restricted. Having an authorization in place helps ensure that the right people can access necessary information during hospital stays, medical appointments, or periods of incapacity, enabling better coordination and quicker decision making.Including a HIPAA authorization in advance reduces delays and confusion by giving a clear legal basis for disclosure. Without it, providers may be limited in the information they can share and may require additional steps to verify permission. Planning ahead with a properly drafted authorization makes it easier for trusted contacts to obtain records and act on behalf of the patient when needed.
How does a HIPAA authorization differ from a medical power of attorney?
A HIPAA authorization permits disclosure of health information, while a medical power of attorney or durable power of attorney for health care appoints a person to make medical decisions on another’s behalf. The two documents serve related but different functions: one focuses on access to information, and the other on decision-making authority. Together, they provide both the legal right to receive information and the authority to act on it when decisions about treatment or care must be made.Because access to accurate and timely information is often necessary for decision makers to act effectively, many people include both documents in their estate planning. Coordinating the language in each document ensures that the appointed decision maker can obtain the records needed to make informed choices and to communicate with medical providers.
Who should I name as a recipient on my HIPAA authorization?
Choose recipients who are trusted to receive sensitive health information and who will realistically need access to support care or decision making. Many people name a spouse, adult children, a close friend, or a trusted relative. It can be helpful to include successor designees in case the primary recipient is unavailable. Consider who will be involved in medical appointments, discussions with providers, and coordination of care when deciding who to name.When naming recipients, be specific about names and contact information to reduce ambiguity for providers. If privacy is a concern, you can limit the scope of the authorization to certain records or timeframes so recipients receive only what is necessary for the intended purpose.
Can I limit a HIPAA authorization to certain types of records or time periods?
Yes, you can tailor a HIPAA authorization to limit disclosures by type of records, by particular providers, or by a set time period. Limiting scope can protect privacy while still providing necessary information for a specific event or treatment. For example, someone might authorize disclosure only for a particular hospitalization or only to a named specialist. Specifying limits helps providers release only the relevant information and supports a balance between access and privacy.Keep in mind that overly narrow limitations may require additional paperwork if new needs arise. Discuss the desired scope with your attorney and consider whether a broader authorization may be more practical for ongoing coordination of care, especially for chronic conditions or long-term treatment plans.
How do I revoke a HIPAA authorization once it is signed?
To revoke a HIPAA authorization, the signer typically provides written notice of revocation to the health care provider and any parties who received information under the authorization. The revocation should identify the original authorization, state that it is revoked, and be signed and dated by the person who originally gave permission. Providers may continue to rely on disclosures made before the revocation was received, so acting promptly and sending revocation notices to all relevant providers and recipients is important.It’s also a good practice to update estate planning documents and notify family members and designated recipients when revocation occurs. Keeping a record of revocation communications helps demonstrate that the client’s wishes changed and that providers were notified accordingly.
Will hospitals and clinics accept the authorization I provide?
Most hospitals and clinics will accept a properly executed HIPAA authorization that contains the required identifying information, a clear description of the records to be released, named recipients, and a signature and date. Some providers may have preferred forms or additional requirements, so it is helpful to check with hospitals and major providers in advance and, if needed, tailor the authorization to meet their expectations. Providing a signed copy directly to key providers before a medical event can prevent delays later.If a provider raises concerns about language or scope, working with legal counsel to adjust the authorization usually resolves the issue. Ensuring clarity in the document and communicating with providers ahead of time increases the likelihood that requests for records will be processed smoothly.
Should HIPAA authorizations be included in my estate planning documents?
Including HIPAA authorizations in your estate planning package is recommended because these documents work together to support comprehensive decision making and continuity of care. While powers of attorney designate who can make decisions, authorizations ensure that those decision makers can obtain the necessary medical information. Without an authorization, decision makers may face obstacles in getting records and updates from providers, which can impede timely choices about treatment and discharge.Coordinated estate documents reduce uncertainty and make it easier for families and providers to follow the patient’s wishes. Discussing the roles of decision makers and recipients during planning helps ensure all documents are aligned and effective when they are needed most.
What happens if I don’t have a HIPAA authorization and I become incapacitated?
If you do not have a HIPAA authorization and become incapacitated, hospitals and clinics may be limited in what information they can share with family members or friends. Providers will generally only share details with individuals who are legally authorized or when another legal exception applies. This can slow communication, complicate decision making, and increase stress for loved ones trying to coordinate care or manage administrative tasks such as insurance claims or discharge planning.In such situations, family members may need to seek legal authorization, rely on court processes, or wait until a provider determines an appropriate disclosure under existing privacy rules. Preemptive planning with a signed authorization is far simpler and reduces the risk of these delays.
Do HIPAA authorizations expire automatically?
HIPAA authorizations can include expiration dates or events that terminate the authorization, but they do not automatically expire unless the document says so. Some people choose an expiration date to limit the duration of access, while others prefer a durable authorization that remains in effect until revoked. Including a clear expiration provision or revocation method helps align the authorization with current preferences and circumstances.Because medical relationships and family situations change, regular review of the authorization is wise. If you want access to end or to change recipients, the revocation process allows you to update who can receive PHI and when that access should stop.
Can a HIPAA authorization be used for insurance claims or benefits filings?
Yes, a HIPAA authorization can permit designated individuals to obtain records needed for insurance claims or benefits applications, provided the authorization explicitly covers those uses. When claims or benefits filings require medical documentation, authorized recipients can gather the necessary records to support applications, appeals, or other administrative processes. Including language that clarifies the purpose of disclosure can be helpful to ensure records are provided for those administrative needs.When planning for insurance and benefits, consider naming recipients who will handle administrative tasks and specify the types of records they need to access. This reduces delays in claims processing and helps ensure that benefit applications are supported by appropriate medical documentation.