Ok_Sorbet9577 t1_j61u8e8 wrote
I heard about this happening at my pediatrician office. We have been patients there for 27 years and this is a new “policy” not law as I was told by the receptionist. I called my own family dr office and they don’t do that there. You have access to your children till they are 18. There is no law stating children at 13 make their own medical decisions or parents have no access to their children’s health records at 13. My pediatrician office does it because they are part of a bigger hospital that has this policy.
Lagomorph-dreams OP t1_j626oqm wrote
That’s interesting. I asked about it it a HIPAA sub as well and someone linked me to a law in MA. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/guide-on-the-disclosure-of-confidential-information-health-care-information
In reading the law, it seems like minors must give consent for care providers to release information relating to substance use disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, and a few other special conditions. Because diagnoses related to these conditions are kept within the general patient chart, I imagine this is why some providers are enacting policies limiting what parents can see without their teen’s consent?
Ok_Sorbet9577 t1_j6443fs wrote
My pediatrician office once my child turns 13 won’t allow my husband or I access to anything in his chart as of 13, even with his permission. He must have a separate email account and I’m only allowed to see billing information. I’m sorry I don’t feel my 13 year old should be 100% in charge of his health care. I never saw that law in Ma as I looked at a more federal level for laws. It’s amazing to me how many rights parents are losing to their kids more and more. As for people saying I have no right to my under age child’s medical records…f@&k you.. I’m responsible for my child legally and financially. If they have a substance abuse problem who will be paying and taking care of them…me…if they end up as a teen parent at 14 who is responsible for them…me….so yeah I have a right to know what my kids are up to. I will be checking that link you gave me thanks!
Lagomorph-dreams OP t1_j64dye8 wrote
Please do check it! I know what State HIPAA laws overrides Federal HIPAA law. So the MA law is what will be followed, even though it doesn’t seem entirely clear! Full disclosure: I’m not a parent. I work in healthcare and I’m trying to get a handle on policies around youth and their records. For what it’s worth, I agree with you!
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