Parents can now see medical records of Alberta teens, sparking worry among doctors
CBC
Some Alberta doctors are warning a move by the provincial government to increase the access parents have to the medical records of teenagers could put some patients at risk.
Until this week, parents and guardians could only access the online personal health information of children under the age of 12.
The Alberta government has now extended that access up until a teenager turns 18.
The change came into effect on Monday.
“Parents and guardians play a critical role in supporting their children’s health, and access to health information helps them make informed decisions, obtain required care, and ensure continuity of care," a government spokesperson said in a statement emailed to CBC news.
The change applies to Alberta's MyHealth Records portal, which provides access to information like lab results, prescriptions, diagnostic reports, immunization records and appointment summaries.
"I am concerned because I think this jeopardizes the health care of certain adolescents,” said Dr. Sam Wong, the president of the Alberta Medical Association’s section of pediatrics.
He’s been inundated with emails from doctors around the province who were caught off-guard by the move.
“Colleagues have searched me out to discuss this issue,” he said. “It is a big concern of theirs — a huge concern,” he said.
According to Wong, the change could deter some teens from seeking care for sensitive issues such as contraception.
“Does that then lead to a risk of pregnancy if they don’t get the medication? And that’s a distinct possibility,” he said.
The Canadian Paediatric Society has also weighed in, arguing confidentiality is essential to delivering quality adolescent health care.
"By ensuring appropriate private care, clinicians can empower adolescents to develop agency, autonomy, trust, and responsibility for their own health-care decision-making and management," a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
"Concerns about privacy can be a significant barrier for teens, who may delay or decline essential treatment or followup care if they cannot be assured of confidentiality.”
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