How does the clinic handle consent and confidentiality?
Consent: Foster parents may not consent for medical procedures, medication or the release of medical records, except in the rare circumstance where the foster parent is also the legal guardian. Always ask the provider to contact the child’s caseworker or caseworker supervisor if you are asked to sign something. Confidentiality: Foster parents have access to all of the medical information concerning children in their care with limited exceptions. Adolescents may choose to keep information related to sexual issues (sexually transmitted diseases, birth control), pregnancy (and abortion), drug and alcohol use, and HIV infection confidential. Unless an adolescent behaves in such a way as to pose harm to themselves or others, medical providers are bound by law to protect their confidentiality in these areas. Our staff always encourages adolescents to share information with their caseworker and their foster parent, both of whom are also bound by confidentiality rules.
