Adolescents and confidentiality

Abstract

Recently the right of adolescents to confidential health care has come under threat. In 2004, the Minister for Health proposed the introduction of legislation to give parents access to all information held by Medicare Australia (formerly the Health Insurance Commission) concerning their child/ren under 16 years of age. Ultimately this legislation was withdrawn in the face of concern that it would have been detrimental to the health of adolescents. This article examines the duty of general practitioners to maintain confidentiality when treating adolescent patients. Case histories are based on actual medical negligence claims or medicolegal referrals, however, certain facts have been omitted or changed by the author to ensure the anonymity of the parties involved.