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Bill

Bill

HB 1194

Minor's health records; parental access.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Scott

HB 1194 establishes parental access rules for minors' health records in Virginia, balancing parental rights with minor privacy protections in healthcare.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1194)
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Bill Summary · HB 1194

Legislative bill overview

HB 1194 addresses parental access to minors' health records in Virginia, establishing or modifying the legal framework for when and how parents can obtain their children's medical information. The bill has been referred to the Health and Human Services Committee and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects the balance between parental rights and minor privacy protections in healthcare settings. The outcome will influence how medical providers, schools, and families navigate sensitive health information for children, particularly regarding reproductive health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Parental Authority: Tension between minors' growing autonomy and confidentiality rights versus traditional parental decision-making authority in medical matters
  • Scope of Records: Disagreement over which health records should be accessible (all records, or exceptions for sensitive areas like sexual health, mental health, or substance abuse)
  • Age Thresholds: Determining at what age minors gain independent rights to privacy from parents, and whether this varies by health category

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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