Minor Consent & Confidentiality
Teen Proxy Information for Parents/Guardians
Starting January 15, 2024, LifeLong Medical Care (LMC) will begin deactivating all MyChart accounts for patients ages 0-17 to comply with California Minor Consent and Confidentiality Laws. These laws gives teenage patients (ages 12-17) the right to privacy regarding their own medical information. Deactivating accounts ensures that only patients can log into their accounts.
After this deactivation, minors can discuss privacy rights with their Care Team during their next scheduled in-person medical appointment. If the minor chooses to give their parent/guardian limited or full access to their MyChart accounts, they will sign a consent form before the accounts are set up and linked. Minors may ask their Care Team to revoke parent/guardian access to the minor's MyChart account at any time.
Note: MyChart proxy access is when an individual such as a parent/guardian can view and download authorized electronic records (including test results, immunizations, and requests to schedule appointments) on their child's behalf.
If you are a parent or legal guardian and have a child or children ages 0-11:
You will continue to have MyChart Proxy access to your child's electronic health record. However, if you were accessing that information from their MyChart account, you will lose access and be required to request proxy access via your own MyChart account. If you do not have an active MyChart account, you will need to request an activation code to enroll.
If you are a parent and have a child or children ages 12-17:
In accordance with CA Minor Consent and Confidentiality laws, on your child’s 12th birthday, your proxy access will switch from Full Access to Limited Access (instead of disconnecting accounts). You will still have the option to stay in touch with your child’s Care Team via your own MyChart account or by calling (510) 981-4100, option 0. Please contact the patient’s Care Team if they qualify for an exemption (physical impairment/ diminished capacity). Teenage patients must sign the “MyChart Teen Proxy Consent to Access Electronic Medical Records” form to allow their parent/guardian any type of proxy access. Patients aged 12-17 can set up their MyChart account by speaking to their Care Team during their next scheduled in-person appointment. Minors may ask their Care Team to change or remove parent/guardian MyChart access at any time.
How to access copies of your child’s medical record (ages 12-17):
This process remains unchanged. To access physical copies of medical records you will need to visit your clinic to fill out and submit a Release of Information (located at your LifeLong primary center Medical Records office) signed by the patient.
Grievances:
To discuss our grievance process, you may call Patient Services at (510) 549-5451.
We want to remind you that while privacy laws limit what we can share about your teenager’s medical record, LifeLong Medical Care is required to notify you if we suspect your child is in danger of being harmed or harming themselves. For more information about Minor Consent laws in California please refer to legal resources provided on our website.
For MyChart proxy access questions, concerns, or technical support, you may contact our Virtual Care Representative/ MyChart Support staff at (510) 981-3290 or by emailing mycharthelp@lifelongmedical.org. Please provide your name, contact number and the best time to reach you by phone.
Proxy Information for Teens
If you’re a teenager in the state of California, you have the right to talk about your health and make some medical decisions with your Care Team on your own.
If you are under 18 years old, the health center cannot tell your parent/guardian* if you receive any of these services:
- Birth Control
- Emergency Contraception
- STI/STD testing and treatment
- Pregnancy testing, prenatal or abortion care and services
- HIV/AIDS testing
- Mental/ Behavioral Health Services
*If you are being harmed or plan on harming yourself, your Care Team is legally required to get outside safety help.
How do I see my medical records? How do I check test results?
- When you turn 12 years old, you can create your own MyChart account with your own username and password. MyChart is an electronic copy of your medical record or chart. This is where you can see your private medical chart, including test results and prescriptions.
- All you need to do is visit your LifeLong clinic and ask someone for help with setting up your account, and make sure you bring a school or other photo ID with you.
- We can show you how to download the MyChart app, teach you how to send messages to your Care Team, or request to schedule appointments.
What if I’m not okay with my parent/guardian seeing my medical records?
- If your parent/guardian wants to see your MyChart electronic medical record, and you are okay with sharing your record, you will both need to visit a LifeLong clinic to sign a form called a “MyChart Teen Proxy Consent to Access Electronic Medical Records.” If they want photocopies of any part of your medical record, both of you will need to sign an “Authorization to Release or Obtain Protected Health Information” form.
- You have the legal right to decide you do not want to share your medical record with your parent/guardian. Even if you say yes at first, you can always change your mind.
What if something happens at the clinic or with my health records that I am not okay with?
- We want to hear about it so we can help! ·
- You also have the right to file a grievance (complaint) with LifeLong Medical Care if you have a complaint regarding your MyChart account.
- You will not be punished for filing a grievance.
- Grievance forms are available at all LifeLong clinics. Ask a LifeLong front desk representative or call (510) 549-5451 for assistance.
If you have questions, you can call us at (510) 981-3290 and leave a message with your name, phone number, and a good time to call you back.