Committee approves measure to require EMR vendors to allow parents access to minors' records with safeguards
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Summary
House panel adopted a second substitute to HB259, requiring electronic medical record systems used by providers to permit parents or legal guardians access to their minor children's records unless access is lawfully restricted. The committee recommended the bill favorably.
Representative Mike Peterson said he introduced the second substitute to HB259 after hearing constituents who could not access a child's health record online without the child's consent. The substitute shifts obligations to the electronic medical record (EMR) vendor side, requiring systems used by Utah providers to facilitate parental or guardian access unless law or a court order restricts that access.
"If you're a minor using this EMR system, you can't see the child's records. They have to give consent," Representative Peterson said, describing constituent examples that prompted the change.
Witnesses including representatives of Utah Eagle Forum supported the bill. Committee members asked about guardianship and the bill language clarifies that only a parent or legal guardian who has access under existing law may use the provision. The committee adopted the second substitute and voted to recommend HB259 favorably; roll call showed a majority in favor with Representative Wynne recorded as the lone no vote.
