Divorced & Separated Families Policy
How we handle consent, communication and records access so both parents can stay involved in their child's care.
Pediatric Healthcare Associates
PHCA cares for many children whose parents are divorced or separated. This policy explains how we handle consent, communication and access to records so both parents can stay informed and involved in their child's care.
Purpose
Our goal is to provide consistent, uninterrupted care to your child regardless of family or custody arrangements, while respecting the legal rights of each parent or guardian.
Legal vs. Physical Custody
Unless we are given a copy of a court order stating otherwise, PHCA assumes that both legal parents have equal rights to make medical decisions for their child and to access their child's medical information. Physical custody arrangements (where a child lives) do not, by themselves, limit a parent's right to be involved in medical care.
Consent for Treatment
Routine care, such as well-child visits, sick visits and standard vaccines, may generally be consented to by either legal parent. For non-emergency procedures where parents disagree, we ask that the parents resolve the disagreement directly, or provide documentation of sole legal custody or decision-making authority.
Access to Records & Information
Both legal parents are entitled to their child's medical records and visit summaries unless a court order specifically restricts one parent's access. Each parent may request their own copies and set up their own patient portal access.
Communication Between Households
To keep both parents informed, we're happy to:
- Provide appointment reminders and visit summaries to both parents individually, upon request
- Grant separate patient portal logins to each parent
- Speak with either parent by phone regarding non-urgent questions
Documentation We May Request
Contact Us
Questions about custody documentation or record access? Call our front desk at (814) 944-7383.