Protecting Adolescent Confidentiality: A Response to One State's "Parents' Bill of Rights"

Purpose: 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. Methods: 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. Results: Of 269 parent/guardian respondents to the consent form, over 95% waived their rights for each of the four provisions. Conclusions: 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. (C) 2018 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.