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Parents testify on losing access to minor children’s MyChart accounts; committee hears safety and privacy concerns
Summary
Witnesses told the Health Committee providers were removing parental access to minors’ MyChart accounts at age 12, leading to unpaid bills sent to debt collectors and raising safety concerns; sponsors and members discussed options and requested follow‑up testimony and documents.
During the second hearing on House Bill 162, multiple parents described experiences in which health systems restricted parental proxy access to children's electronic medical records after the child turned 12. Katie DeLonde said she learned she had been removed from access to her 15‑year‑old son's records and received a collection agency call for an $86.52 charge she had not been notified of. DeLonde said Premier Health told her proxy access could be restored only if the child provided proxy authorization by phone or in person; she described refusing to play what she called a "pretend" role and urged legislative action to prevent providers from unilaterally changing access policies.
Lisa Chaffee gave similar testimony about being locked out of a MyChart account and raised medical safety concerns, noting that many children do not know family medical histories and might not communicate relevant information to clinicians. Committee members asked whether children were offered the chance to sign releases and whether children themselves were notified; witnesses said in‑room presence with a parent was often available but electronic access was curtailed without notice. The chair closed the second hearing and requested additional interested‑party testimony from an absent witness.
