Did you receive care at West Hills Hospital before March 11, 2025 ?
In March 2024, UCLA Health acquired West Hills Hospital and renamed it UCLA West Valley Medical Center. The 260-bed facility joined UCLA's health system to expand access to care for San Fernando Valley residents.
If you were a patient at the old West Hills Hospital, your medical records transitioned to UCLA's systems. Patients who received care before March 11, 2025 can still access their records through the MyHealthONE portal . Patients after that date use myUCLAhealth.
Here's what most people don't realize: when medical records move between systems, the standard HIPAA authorizations in your estate plan may not automatically transfer. If your healthcare agent needs to access your records and you haven't updated your authorizations, they could face delays — or be denied access entirely.
UCLA's own medical records team requires a signed Authorization for Release of Health Information form . Without that form in your estate plan — properly executed and witnessed — your family could be filling out paperwork during a crisis instead of focusing on your care.
The hospital has a new name. Your HIPAA form needs a new signature
How do I know if I should update my HIPAA authorization ?
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Was your hospital acquired by or merged with another hospital ?
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Is your HIPAA Authorization more than a year old ?
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Is your HIPAA agent no longer alive, moved out of state or country ?
If the answer to any of these questions is YES, you may need to review and/or update your HIPAA authorization.
Is a HIPAA authorization part of an estate plan ?
Estate planning isn't just about death. Incapacity planning is often overlooked. An advance healthcare directive and HIPAA authorization are essential parts of a complete estate plan.
How much does probate cost in West Hills ?
West Hills homeowners have watched property values rise — and watched debates over affordable housing heat up, including the proposed 324-unit development at the former Circle S Ranch site. Whatever side you're on, one thing is clear: your home is worth more than it used to be.
The median home price in West Hills is now over $1,000,000 .
California probate fees are calculated on gross value — not equity. On a $1,000,000 estate, probate costs run roughly $50,000 in combined attorney fees, executor fees, and court costs before your family receives anything.
A living trust is a flat fee — typically $2,000 up to $4,000.
Do the math. A trust is less than 10% of probate costs.
What could your heirs do with an extra $45,000?
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A wedding
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A down payment on a condo
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Trade school for the grandkids (plumbing school is about $11,000 a year)
Everyone's going to plumbing school anyway. Thanks, AI.
Serving West Hills and the Surrounding San Fernando Valley
I help families throughout West Hills, including neighborhoods near Warner Center, the Village, and El Escorpión Park.
Whether you live near Platt Avenue, Victory Boulevard, or Fallbrook Avenue, I offer flat fee estate planning with no surprises.
Schedule a consultation with a West Hills estate planning attorney. Flat fee. No hourly billing. No surprises.