This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance access to health care records for parents and legal guardians of minor children. It specifies that no release, authorization, or permission from the minor child is required for a parent or guardian to obtain the child's medical records, except in certain circumstances outlined in the bill. These exceptions include situations where the child has graduated high school, is emancipated, is married, or if there is a pending criminal case against the parent for child abuse or neglect. Additionally, the bill establishes that managed care organizations, child placing agencies, and individuals with temporary custody of a child will also have access to the child's medical records.

The bill also revises existing provisions regarding the furnishing of health care records to patients, ensuring that health care providers must provide copies of records within 30 days of a request. It clarifies that parents or guardians of minors cannot be denied access to health records unless a court order states otherwise. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for the confidentiality of records maintained by child welfare agencies, while allowing for certain disclosures under specified conditions. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline access to medical records for parents and guardians while maintaining necessary confidentiality protections.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-29-1, 16-29-3
Committee Substitute: 16-29-1, 49-5-101, 16-29-3