Your Medical Record Rights In Washington - Georgetown University ...

I am an unemancipated minor but I can legally consent to certain kinds of medical
treatment without my parents’ permission. Who has the right to get and amend my
records that are related to this treatment?
You do. In Washington, as an unemancipated minor, you can consent to the following
types of medical treatment without the permission of your parents:
• Birth control and abortion related services.
• Outpatient mental health counseling if you are 13 or older.
• Treatment for sexually transmitted diseases if you are 14 or older. (This includes
tests and treatment to determine if you have a sexually transmitted disease.)
When you alone lawfully consent to any of the treatments listed above, only you have
the right to access the medical record related to that treatment. Your parents do not
have the right to access this part of your medical record unless you give your written
permission. If you and your parents jointly consent to your treatment, both you and
your parents may have access to information related to this treatment.
Example
Jason is 16 and is sexually active. On his own, he consents to
be tested for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.
Jason’s mother later requests a copy of his medical record.
The doctor may not release the part of Jason's medical record
related to the gonorrhea test to his mother unless Jason gives
written permission to do so.
When minors consent to certain other types of treatment in Washington, such as
inpatient mental health treatment, their parents must be notified.
If you have questions or concerns about whether your parent will have access to your
medical information or be notified about your treatment, you should talk to your health
care provider.
I have my mother's durable power of attorney for health care. Do I have the right to get
her medical record?
Yes. If you have your mother’s durable power of attorney for health care, you generally
have the right to get and amend her medical records that are relevant to making those
health care decisions. You have the right of access during the time that the power of
attorney for health care is in effect.
Georgetown University 2006 WA – Overview
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