What type of access do parents or legal guardians have to records of their dependent minors?

Parents or legal guardians typically have access to the medical records of their dependent minors, in accordance with the HIPAA Privacy Rule. This rule allows for parental access, as they are considered the personal representatives of their children concerning Protected Health Information (PHI). This access applies unless state laws provide otherwise or if there are specific circumstances where a minor may have the right to confidentiality, such as seeking certain types of care (e.g., mental health services or reproductive health care) without parental consent.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule essentially grants parents or guardians full rights to obtain, review, and authorize disclosure of their children's health information, ensuring that they are involved in their care and can make informed health decisions. This comprehensive access underscores the importance of parental involvement in the health management of minors.

In contrast, limited access options such as restricting access to only billing information, emergency situations, or specific documents do not align with the full scope of rights that the HIPAA Privacy Rule provides to parents regarding their children's records.