Some doctors in Alberta are expressing concern over a recent decision by the provincial government to expand parental access to teenagers’ medical records, potentially compromising patient care. Previously, parents and guardians could only view the online health information of children below 12 years old. However, the new policy now allows access up to the age of 18, a change that took effect on Monday.
The government highlighted that parents and guardians play a crucial role in their children’s health and that access to medical information enables informed decision-making and continuity of care. This extension of access applies to the MyHealth Records portal in Alberta, which includes details such as lab results, prescriptions, diagnostic reports, immunization records, and appointment summaries.
Dr. Sam Wong, president of the Alberta Medical Association’s pediatrics section, raised concerns about the impact on adolescent healthcare, emphasizing the potential risks for certain teenagers. He pointed out that the change might deter teens from seeking care for sensitive issues like contraception, leading to adverse health outcomes.
The Canadian Paediatric Society emphasized the importance of confidentiality in adolescent healthcare, noting that concerns about privacy could prevent teens from disclosing vital information about substance use, mental health, and sexuality, ultimately affecting their treatment and well-being.
Dr. Stephen Freedman, a professor at the University of Calgary, highlighted the potential long-term impacts of breaching confidentiality, such as untreated infections affecting future fertility. He also expressed worries about eroding trust between teens, healthcare providers, and caregivers, particularly regarding information shared prior to the policy change.
The “mature minor principle” in Canadian law acknowledges adolescents’ decision-making capacity in healthcare, creating a potential conflict between teens’ ability to consent to treatment independently and parental access to their medical records. The availability and regulations surrounding online medical records vary across provinces, with differing approaches to parental access and privacy safeguards.
The Alberta government recognized the rights of mature minors and the need to balance patient privacy with parental access. They have submitted a privacy impact assessment to the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta for review. Discussions are ongoing to address concerns and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the privacy and healthcare rights of adolescents.
