Medical Malpractice

Medical Confedentiality- Law??

My 14 year old son went to a doctors appointment/ my friend works in that same office and she told me he was there. I called the pediatrician because I want to know why my son was there. They told me that they can give me no information. What would be my legal rights as a parent?

Public Comments

1. Because of liberals parents are losing their rights as parents. Bill Clinton passed laws that specifically take parental rights away.
2. Well for one your friend violated confidentiality laws by calling and telling you that he was there - which was wrong of her. Secondly, as his parent you are in a bit of gray area. If your son asked the doctor not to reveal to you why he was there and no medical procedures were performed that required informed consent, and your son is not in danger (to self or others) then your son has the right to confidentiality.
3. None. The doctor has a confidentiality agreement with his patient, in this case your son. I'm not positive, but I think it begins at 10, maybe 12. Your friend, who surely meant well when she told you, could lose her job over violating the office's confidentiality. A patient has the right not to have his doctor's office visits reported to other people. You could, of course, see if you can get your son talking, listen in a nonjudgmental way, and find out if anything's on his mind, but there's no guarantee he'll tell you a thing.
4. You have a Right to Know!!!!!That's why a lot of groups are fighting back. A minor child is just that and is not legally responsible until age 18 in most states. Do yourself a favor and contact an attorney. Educators, team coaches are not the "Parent" of the child. If your child is sick and they administer a therapy that is harmful, you will be responsible for the bill, further injury or possible death of that same child. Parental Rights groups are who You and others should team up with. Nanny States should be outlawed since they feel they know what's best for you, than you do. This is the example of "It Takes A Village To Raise A Child Theory" run amuck. This is what will be in store for Americans with Nationalized Healthcare! There will be no privacy or the Privacy is taken the wrong way.