* State Laws Vary: Laws regarding parental access to a minor's medical records differ significantly from state to state. Some states have laws that grant parents broad access, while others provide more protections for the minor's privacy as they get older. The specific laws in the relevant state must be consulted.
* Mature Minor Doctrine: Many jurisdictions recognize the "mature minor doctrine," which allows a minor to consent to their own medical treatment (and thus, potentially, control access to their records) if they demonstrate sufficient maturity and understanding of the treatment. The definition of "mature minor" varies widely.
* Emancipated Minor: If a minor is legally emancipated (meaning they are legally considered an adult), they have the right to control their own medical records.
* Court Orders: A court order might be necessary to resolve disputes between parents and their minor child regarding access to medical records.
* Sensitive Information: Even with parental consent, some information (like mental health records in some jurisdictions) might have additional privacy protections that limit parental access.
* Federal Laws (HIPAA): While HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protects the privacy of health information, it doesn't override state laws. Parents generally are considered permitted users under HIPAA, particularly when the minor is their dependent. However, a minor can request restrictions on the disclosure of their information even from parents.
In short: While parents often have access to their minor child's medical records, it's not universally guaranteed. The specific legal situation depends heavily on state law, the minor's age and maturity, and any relevant court orders. If there's a dispute, legal advice should be sought.