Confidentiality, consent, and caring for the adolescent patient.
OBJECTIVE
This study reviews the healthcare-related rationale for providing confidential care to adolescents, as well as the legal framework for the provision of such care.


RESULTS
Physician assurances of confidentiality increase adolescents' willingness to disclose sensitive health information, but these assurances are rarely given. Physicians may not be aware of legal minor consent guidelines or may be concerned about parental reaction to such confidential discussions. Fortunately, many parents and teens understand the importance of confidential healthcare. Adolescent consent and confidentiality laws vary from state to state, but there are federal guidelines and common law concepts that are applicable throughout the United States. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule also provides guidelines for confidential care to minors. Future challenges for adolescent confidentiality include ease of access to electronic medical records as well as patient (and/or parent)-controlled health records.


CONCLUSIONS
Confidentiality for adolescents has important implications for the quality provision of healthcare for this vulnerable population. Physicians and other healthcare providers must be aware of these health implications, as well as federal policies, common law, and their individual state's laws pertaining to this important topic.
Berlan
Elise D
ED
Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA. Elise.Berlan@Nationwidechildrens.org
Bravender
Terrill
T
D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000295:Adolescent Medicine / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods; D003142:Communication; D003219:Confidentiality; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D035082:Federal Government; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D007390:International Agencies; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D010290:Parents; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013219:State Government