Here are the core existing Indiana Code provisions (and one key policy document) that protect or implement a parent\u2019s ability to direct or control their child\u2019s mental health care and records. Each item is a direct link to current law or official policy text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
General health\u2011care consent (includes mental health)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Parental access to medical and mental health records<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Minor consent exceptions (where parental control is limited)<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n These are important for delineating the bounds<\/em> of parental direction over mental health and related treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DCS policy on accessing a child\u2019s mental health records<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2042<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Here are the core existing Indiana Code provisions (and one key policy document) that protect or implement a parent\u2019s ability to direct or control their child\u2019s mental health care and records. Each item is a direct link to current law or official policy text. General health\u2011care consent (includes mental health) Parental access to medical and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-181","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Indiana Code 16\u201136\u20111\u20115<\/a> (Persons authorized to consent for health care; includes parents and those in loco parentis when the minor cannot consent.)[1]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Indiana Code 16\u201139\u20112\u20119<\/a> (Expressly states that, if the patient is a minor, \u201cthe parent, guardian, or other court appointed representative\u201d may exercise the patient\u2019s rights, and that custodial and non\u2011custodial parents have equal access to mental health records absent a limiting court order.)[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
Indiana Code 16\u201139\u20111\u20117<\/a> (Right of a parent or guardian to access a minor child\u2019s medical records; cited in practice materials discussing equal access for both parents.)[3]<\/sup><\/a>[4]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Indiana Code 16\u201139\u20112\u20119<\/a> (Same section as above; specifically addresses mental health records and equal access rights of custodial and non\u2011custodial parents.)[2]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
Indiana Code 12\u201123\u201112\u20111<\/a> (Allows a minor to voluntarily seek treatment for \u201calcoholism, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse\u201d from DMHA or an approved facility without parental notification or consent.)[5]<\/sup><\/a>[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Indiana Code 12\u201123\u201112\u20112<\/a> (Addresses when parents may or must be notified when a minor seeks such treatment, shaping the practical scope of parental direction in that context.)[7]<\/sup><\/a>[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Indiana Code 16\u201136\u20111\u20113<\/a> (Defines circumstances where certain minors\u2014emancipated, married, in the military, or 14+ and living apart\/self\u2011supporting\u2014can consent to their own health care, which includes mental health care, thereby limiting parental decision\u2011making in those cases.)[8]<\/sup><\/a>[5]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n
\u201cAccessing Child\u2019s Medical, Mental Health, and Substance Use Records\u201d \u2013 Indiana Department of Child Services Policy 4.17
https:\/\/www.in.gov\/dcs\/files\/4.17.pdf<\/a> (DCS must generally obtain written consent from the child\u2019s parent\/guardian\/custodian before obtaining mental health assessment or treatment records, with narrow statutory exceptions; cites IC 16\u201139\u20112\u20116(b)(10)(F) and IC 12\u201123\u201112\u20111.)[6]<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n