Page 24 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part Two

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

Pediatricians and other providers who treat minors are often

confronted with the problem of how to restrict the access that
the patient’s parents or guardians have to portal information

when any of the following occurs:

• The patient reaches the age of majority

• A parent’s right to medical records is restricted by court

order

• The minor patient invokes a statutory right to privacy

typically related to the testing and/or treatment for STDs,
pregnancy, or contraception

This is often difficult because portals are not usually designed

to restrict access beyond the initial authorization process
previously discussed. It is up to the provider to determine the
best means to keep the information confidential and restrict

the parents’ or guardians’ access. This can place a significant

burden on the provider. Unfortunately, because of the variety of
scenarios that can arise, and the varying state laws involved, it
is beyond the scope of this course to provide specific guidance

regarding every individual scenario. Physicians and providers

are encouraged to contact legal counsel or SVMIC with specific
questions as they arise.

Finally, before a patient is
permitted to use the

portal, he or she must
sign a Disclaimer or

Terms of Use and Privacy
Policy document. This

document can be in
either paper or electronic

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