Yes, Parents Should Have Access to Minor’s Records
We are thrilled to tell you that HB 1593 (R-Kent) and SB 846 (R-Craig), legislation we helped initiate, that ensures parents have access to their children’s online medical records has passed! Thanks to the leadership of Delegate Hillary Kent (Warsaw-R) and Senator Christie New Craig (Chesapeake-R), this is a huge victory for parental rights and a major step toward restoring the transparency and trust that families deserve.
Did you know that currently hospitals in Virginia could refuse to provide you with your child’s medical records online?
For years, parents across Virginia have faced unnecessary barriers when trying to access their child’s health information through online portals. Many were shocked to discover that due to a small loophole in the law they were locked out entirely, unable to see basic medical records, test results, or doctor’s notes.
Some providers bar parents from accessing their teenager’s records online unless the teenager expressly authorizes parental access. There are some healthcare providers that disallow parental access to a teenager’s medical records altogether. However, under the law healthcare providers must give parents access in some form access to their minor child’s medical records, regardless of whether the teenager consents.
Over the past year, our Founding Freedoms Law Center heard from numerous parents frustrated by this issue, and issued a legal memo on this topic. We knew something had to change. That’s why we got to work to initiate legislation that guarantees in law that parents cannot be kept from their child’s online medical records.
This win is part of a larger fight to protect parental rights in Virginia. Whether it’s ensuring access to medical records, defending parental authority in education, or pushing back against government overreach, we are committed to standing with families across the Commonwealth. When parents speak up, and when we take strategic action, we win.
Now, let’s show our appreciation to Delegate Kent and Senator New Craig for carrying this important bill.
