Paxton Secures Agreement for Parental Access to their Children’s Health Records

Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton

AUSTIN, TEXAS (News Release) - Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a first-of-its kind agreement with Austin Diagnostic Clinic (“ADC”) to end its policy of restricting parental access to their children’s electronic health records.  

Under the agreement, parents will again receive full, real-time access to their children’s electronic medical information, except for any portions specifically restricted by state or federal law.

“My office will continue to stand firm against any policy or practice that undermines a parent’s God-given and legally protected role in caring for their children,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Parents are responsible for their children’s upbringing, and having easy access to their medical records and health information to ensure they receive the care they deserve is a critical part of accomplishing that duty. Denying parents access to their children’s data is illegal, and my office will closely monitor compliance and hold anyone who attempts to strip parents of their rights fully accountable.”

Attorney General Paxton opened an investigation after receiving reports that ADC’s electronic medical record system locked parents out of their children’s accounts when the child reached the age of twelve. Parents were then forced to navigate a lengthy and confusing consent process that required both parent and child to provide repeated approvals before any information could be shared. This practice effectively denied parents the immediate access that Texas law guarantees in Tex. Health & Safety Code § 183.006(b).