Understanding HIPAA: What Parents Need to Know About Privacy & Their Adult Child’s Health Information

This document answers frequently asked questions (FAQs) about when parents can access their adult child’s protected health information.

Key Points

• The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) is a federal law that sets national privacy standards limiting the use and disclosure of individuals’ health information (known as “protected health information” or “PHI”).
• As your child grows into adulthood, both your rights and the rights of your child under HIPAA change.
• HIPAA sets limits and conditions on when and what information healthcare providers may disclose about your adult child.

Resource available in English and Spanish.