Protecting Adolescent Confidentiality: a Response to one State's "Parents' Bill of Rights"
Butler, P.W.; Middleman, A.B.
Journal of Adolescent Health Official Publication of the Society for Adolescent Medicine 63(3): 357-359
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1879-1972 PMID: 30077547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.03.015Document Number: 682588
In November, 2014, the State of Oklahoma enacted legislation potentially eliminating the provision of conditional confidential pediatric care. A consent form for treatment specific to adolescent confidential care was developed in response. This study examines parent/guardian response to the consent form. The consent to treatment form describes the clinical and developmental benefits of conditional confidential treatment of adolescent minors and asks parent/guardians to waive the right to: (1) access confidential portions of the medical record, (2) be present for the physical exam, (3) be present for risk behavior discussions, and (4) consent for hormonal contraception, if indicated. Of 269parent/guardian respondents to the consent form, over 95% waived their rights for each of the four provisions. When provided with information on the rationale for provision of conditional confidential care, a diverse group of parent/guardians in a conservative state overwhelmingly agree to this standard of care.