Some states provide that the parent or guardian must be notified that the minor is seeking or has received medical services. In other states, health care providers have discretion as to whether to inform a parent or guardian about a minor's treatment. Some states provide guidelines to health care providers as to when they may or must notify the parent or guardian about treatment of a minor. In specific circumstances, a health care provider may be obliged to disclose otherwise confidential information. In some states, a health care provider treating a minor for alcohol or drug abuse may not release such information without the patient's consent.
Similar restrictions apply to treatment for STDs and for mental or psychological problems.
In all but two states, health care providers must report cases of HIV infection or AIDS to the appropriate state public health authorities, and the information is strictly confidential. Confidentiality of School Records and Medical Records State and federal statutes regarding confidentiality and disclosure make distinctions between health records and school records. Policies and procedures must distinguish between records that are and that are not accessible to parents, guardians, and others requesting access. A particular statute or regulation may explicitly assign responsibility for violations to a certain individual. For example, child abuse reporting laws impose liability on individuals who are mandated to report abuse but who fail to do so.