“It takes a village” comes to life, and evolves into – “The village will tell you”, under what circumstances you -the parent- will be allowed to influence their children….. 

MICHIGANDISTAN – One Michigan mother was unpleasantly surprised when she took her daughter to the doctor recently. When she arrived in the office, a notice on the door terrified and angered her.

The note informed patients that a new Michigan law about access to medical records requires doctors (or nurses) to have a “private” conversation with adolescent children ages 12 – 17.

Needless to say this mom was not happy with the notice or the nurse’s insistence that there was no way for her to opt out.

… I asked if this policy was in effect and if so, how could I opt out. The receptionist told me it’s a new law and there is no opting out. Working to keep my cool, I said, “I’m sure there is.” She said, “No, there isn’t.” At which point I asked if I needed to leave and go to the urgent care center because I was not submitting my daughter to such a conversation.

That did not go over well.

The receptionist closed the window. Almost immediately, the office manager turned the corner and said, “Mrs. Duffy, may I speak with you?”

She said there was a new policy that would allow a child to access his/her medical records online and the child would be allowed to block a parent from viewing the website. The nurse would also inform my children that the doctor’s office is a safe place for them to receive information about STDs, HIV and birth control. That is what the nurse would be chatting about with my children without any pesky parental oversight.  (read more)