Who typically has access to minor records according to healthcare regulations?

In healthcare regulations, typically, parents or legal guardians have access to the medical records of minors. This is grounded in the legal framework that recognizes parents' rights and responsibilities regarding the minors' well-being. Parents or legal guardians are often considered the primary decision-makers for their children, which includes access to health-related information unless specific conditions or laws indicate otherwise.

For instance, certain jurisdictions may have provisions that allow minors some control over their health records, particularly when it pertains to sensitive health issues like reproductive health or mental health. However, the standard practice allows parents or guardians to access their child's records to make informed decisions about their health care.

In contrast, access by just the minors themselves is limited in many cases, particularly at younger ages, as they may not be legally recognized as independent entities capable of managing their own medical information. School officials typically do not have access to minor records unless specific consent is provided, and healthcare providers only access minor records in the context of their professional responsibilities and patient care. This means they don't have unlimited access outside of therapeutic or treatment contexts.