7/18/26 Minors' Rights Vs. Parents' Rights: Untangling the Web for New Jersey Clinicians

Course Description

Understanding minors’ rights to privacy and confidentiality and the terms under which they are able to consent to their own treatment is complicated. Clinicians must sift through a variety of state and federal laws in order to find the legal answer, while also taking into consideration prevailing ethical standards and what is in the best interests of their minor clients. Although many clinicians believe that consent to treat minors and access to minors’ medical/mental health records are the same thing, they are actually two very different, but connected issues. A minor’s right to consent, rights of access/denial and privacy and confidentiality vary depending on factors such as the age and status of the minor, individual circumstances, the reason for seeking services, and who initiated services. This course is an invaluable resource for New Jersey clinicians, as it will help clarify the roles, responsibilities and rights of all parties…