Bill > SB286

This bill clarifies and modifies the existing laws regarding access to medical records for minor children in West Virginia. Specifically, the bill establishes that parents, guardians, foster parents, and kinship placements cannot be denied access to a minor child's health records, with some important exceptions. Parents will be prohibited from accessing their minor child's medical records in four specific situations: if the child has graduated high school, is emancipated, is married, or if there is a pending child abuse and neglect case against the parent. The bill removes previous language that allowed healthcare providers to withhold medical records from parents in certain circumstances related to birth control, prenatal care, drug rehabilitation, and other sensitive health services. Additionally, the bill specifies that no release, authorization, or permission from the minor child is required for a parent or legal guardian to obtain medical records, except in the previously mentioned exceptional circumstances. The legislation also updates various technical details about record-keeping, including specific timeframes for record provision and potential penalties for healthcare providers who fail to comply with the new requirements.

Health and Social Services, Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=286&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill