The term “medical waiver” can be used in a number of different senses. All refer to a legal form which someone fills out with the intent of releasing someone else from medical liability. The nature of a waiver can vary, and it may be approved automatically or may be subject to review by someone who determines whether or not it is appropriate. As with other legal forms, it is important to fill it out accurately and correctly.
One form is the medical liability waiver or medical release. These types of waivers may be required from people who are engaging in activities that could pose a risk to their health. By signing the waiver, the person indicates that she or he will not hold someone else responsible for injuries incurred during these activities. For example, before skydiving, someone might need to sign a waiver indicating that he or she has been informed about the risks and will not hold the skydiving company liable for injuries.
Another type is a medical insurance waiver. Colleges and universities often require students to join student health care or insurance programs for the purpose of ensuring that all students have coverage. People with adequate coverage of their own can request a waiver so that they do not need to pay health fees on top of maintaining their private coverage and they will be exempted from the requirement.
Waivers may also be required for people with certain medical conditions who want to join the military or law enforcement. As a general rule, people in good physical condition are preferred. Someone who has a disability such as a chronic illness would normally be excluded, unless the recruit applies for and is granted a medical waiver that allows her or him to serve. Such waivers are evaluated individually to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to grant the request.
Certain government health care programs such as Medicaid in the United States may provide waivers as well. In this case, they exempt people from normal requirements and are designed to provide more flexibility so that people can get appropriate treatment and care. For example, a person with disabilities who would normally need to be treated in an institution could receive a medical waiver for home health care so that she or he could stay independent and remain at home.