What information are we, as parents, entitle to from the treating physician?

Full question:

My daughter is 17, and resides in Alaska with her Maternal Uncle. She went to an OB/GYN to receive medical treatment. After seeing the doctor, she called my wife and stated, "My life is over," and was very distraught. The doctor has refused to release any information regarding my daughter's medical treatment. However, neither the Maternal Uncle, nor either my wife or I, was ever contacted regarding consent for medical treatment. I understand that in Alaska, the physician does not have to disclose details regarding treatment for pregnancy or for an STD. What information are we, as parents, entitle to from the treating physician?

• Category: Minors
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Alaska

Answer:

The following is an Alaska statute:

Sec. 25.20.025. Examination and treatment of minors.

 

 

(a) Except as prohibited under AS 18.16.010 (a)(3),

 

 

(1) a minor who is living apart from the minor's parents or legal guardian and who is managing the minor's own financial affairs, regardless of the source or extent of income, may give consent for medical and dental services for the minor;

 

 

(2) a minor may give consent for medical and dental services if the parent or legal guardian of the minor cannot be contacted or, if contacted, is unwilling either to grant or withhold consent; however, where the parent or legal guardian cannot be contacted or, if contacted, is unwilling either to grant or to withhold consent, the provider of medical or dental services shall counsel the minor keeping in mind not only the valid interests of the minor but also the valid interests of the parent or guardian and the family unit as best the provider presumes them;

 

 

(3) a minor who is the parent of a child may give consent to medical and dental services for the minor or the child;

 

 

(4) a minor may give consent for diagnosis, prevention or treatment of pregnancy, and for diagnosis and treatment of venereal disease;

 

 

(5) the parent or guardian of the minor is relieved of all financial obligation to the provider of the service under this section.

 

 

(b) The consent of a minor who represents that the minor may give consent under this section is considered valid if the person rendering the medical or dental service relied in good faith upon the representations of the minor.

 

 

(c) Nothing in this section may be construed to remove liability of the person performing the examination or treatment for failure to meet the standards of care common throughout the health professions in the state or for intentional misconduct.