Baylie’s Law

Baylie’s Law is working to mandate all college admission forms require the following documents:

Health Care Proxy
Power of attorney
HIPAA Release
FERPA Waiver
Will and Estate

Be the Change

Baylie would want others to be spared from the heartache we experienced. Our first order of business is to present a bill to Congress for BAYLIE’S Law.  

Without legal documentation, next of kin may be denied access to medical information, and limited with decision-making authority. Guardianship automatically goes to the hospital. We feel that the next of kin should be fully informed at every stage, have access to medical records, and be spared the legal challenges. It also protects the grown child who by definition is an adult, however, their brain is not fully developed, and in certain circumstances, may need a parent to be their voice. In cases of mental health, this often presents as a problem.

“Get on a plane, you may be coming to Miami to say goodbye.”

  • It took us 16 hours to travel to Baylie without knowing the details of her condition. The privacy law kept us in the dark for 16 hours; an unbearable amount of time. Because bad news needs to be delivered in person.

  • HIPAA law prevented us from requesting medical care on behalf of our daughter. We could not obtain critical evidence to confirm that she had been drugged in her water. Those responsible for her death were never charged. Drug testing needs to be done within a short time frame. The drug has a short half-life and disappears from the blood. HIPAA law also prevented us from accessing medical records while Baylie was alive to get a second opinion. Second opinions, authority, to change physicians, and choices for life or death, became difficult.

  • HIPAA ultimately stood in our way at the end of life. It not only dramatically delayed the decision-making process; it almost stopped us from advocating for our child. Lawyers, judges, the ethics committee, the hospital CEO, and interviews of several family members were needed to carry out Baylie’s wishes.

  • Many people overlook the forms. Consideration must be a part of the admission process. Forms should be provided, families can always deny them, but our goal is to ensure they are reviewed and completed with admission.

  • Simple, easy, affordable, one-click forms included on admission.

Honesty. Integrity. Goodness. Always do the right thing. 

Baylie would have wished for more kindness in the world, and a deeper understanding of why people do what they do. 

Baylie was never the bystander; she was the voice. Baylie spoke up against injustice and had a passion for equality. She was known for doing the right thing.

Anyone who knew Baylie would tell you she was the LEAST LIKELY target for any crime. However, like all teens, mistakes were made. The events that contributed to Baylie’s catastrophic injuries were PREVENTABLE.

Resources for students to help them navigate the social dilemmas they face while away from home, and to make the right choice under the worst circumstances. Recognizing the hidden dangers of college life, including roofies and sex trafficking. 

The education campaign will include stories from other families. By providing real solutions, what to look for, how to help, and when to notify an adult. They’ll learn what to do if someone becomes drugged or intoxicated, providing sensible options that will not result in having a student kicked out of school or charged with underage drinking. 

Students often take matters into their own hands because they fear the consequences. They avoid help because of the barriers put in place. Not realizing the danger or risk to human life. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for making good decisions and is not fully developed until the mid-late twenties, yet we expect these kids to make good choices, even when under the influence. Always have a sober friend in the group. Take turns and never leave anyone alone who is intoxicated. Provide an adult volunteer for emergency contact. 

In most cases, with the right resources, we can save lives. Implementing a program that provides mature decision-making is the key. Beginning with awareness and education we will tackle these issues nationwide. Starting with providing safety apps to all students.  https://3rd-i.org/

Workshops for both parents and students during orientation. Implementing a “safe ride home” program for a student in need without question, either provided by the college or volunteers. 

Baylie’s Wish is focused on what to do and who to call when dangerous situations arise, beyond the duties of the RA who is obligated to report them; authorities where there will likely be repercussions for their actions; or friends who may be too intoxicated to help them. There will be a safe person to text or call and help with decisions.