Access to children's medical records.
Case histories are based on actual medical negligence claims or medicolegal referrals; however certain facts have been omitted or changed by the author to ensure the anonymity of the parties involved. When the parents of a young child are separated or divorced, it is not uncommon for general practitioners to receive requests from one of the parents for information about the medical management of the child, including a request for a copy of the child's medical records. The role of the GP is to provide medical care to the child and act in the child's best interests. This article outlines some strategies for GPs to minimise the possibility of becoming 'piggy in the middle' of a dispute between the parents.
Bird
Sara
S
MDA National. sbird@mdanational.com.au
D002648:Child; D002655:Child Custody / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D030881:Disclosure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008499:Medical Records / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010819:Physician's Role; D018907:Privacy; D012308:Risk Management