"Next of kin" refers to a persons closest living relative(s) through blood or legal relationships. This can include children, parents, siblings, spouses, or adopted family members. Establishing someones next of kin is important for inheritance cases, especially when a will isnt established, and for law enforcement, medical officials, and other authorities when they need to make notifications about an individuals death, health, or well-being. In the context of hospitalizations, HIPAA Privacy Rules also authorize the notification of next of kin when a patient has been admitted, if that patient does or would consent to their notification. In the event of someones death, next of kin may also be used to describe the person or people who stand to inherit if the person who died did not leave a will.